volatile meaning and definition

VOLATILE noun

Definition of volatile (noun)

1. a volatile substance; a substance that changes readily from solid or liquid to a vapor
   • "it was heated to evaporate the volatiles"

VOLATILE adjective

Definition of volatile (adjective)

1. evaporating readily at normal temperatures and pressures
   • "volatile oils"; "volatile solvents"
   • antonym: nonvolatile
2. liable to lead to sudden change or violence
   • "an explosive issue"; "a volatile situation with troops and rioters eager for a confrontation"
   • synonyms: explosive
3. marked by erratic changeableness in affections or attachments
   • "fickle friends"; "a flirt's volatile affections"
   • synonyms: fickle
4. tending to vary often or widely
   • "volatile stocks"; "volatile emotions"