volatile

• 形容事物容易发生突然、难以预料的变化，尤指可能变坏；也可形容局势、市场等不稳定、易波动，或形容人情绪、性格多变、易怒。

Describes something that is likely to change suddenly and unexpectedly, especially for the worse.

1. Chemically unstableB2formalscientific

   Tending to evaporate or change into vapor easily at ordinary temperatures.

   挥发性的

   • Gasoline is a highly volatile liquid.
   • Volatile solvents should be stored in a cool place.
   • The chemist handled the volatile compound with extreme caution.

   同义词evaporativefugitivevaporizablevaporous

   反义词nonvolatilestable

2. Unpredictable or changeableB2formal

   Likely to change suddenly and unexpectedly, especially for the worse.

   不稳定的

   • The political situation in the region remains volatile.
   • Stock markets can be very volatile during economic crises.
   • He has a volatile temper that makes him difficult to work with.

   同义词capriciouschangeableerraticficklefluctuatinginconstantmercurialunpredictableunstablevariable

   反义词calmconstantpredictablereliablestablesteady

3. Explosive or dangerousB2formal

   Potentially violent or explosive; likely to erupt.

   一触即发的

   • The protest turned volatile when police arrived.
   • Relations between the two countries are increasingly volatile.
   • The meeting became volatile after the controversial proposal.

   同义词combustibledangerouseruptiveexplosivefieryinflammatorytenseunstable

   反义词calmpeacefulsafestabletranquil

• 名词，指容易从固态或液态转变为气态的物质；也指易挥发、不稳定的物质。

A noun referring to a substance that changes readily from a solid or liquid state to a vapor.

1. Volatile substanceC1formalscientific

   A substance that changes readily from a solid or liquid to a vapor at relatively low temperatures.

   挥发性物质

   • The chemist carefully stored the volatile in a sealed container.
   • Volatiles like acetone evaporate quickly at room temperature.
   • The lab technician handled the volatile with protective gloves.

   反义词nonvolatilestable