flame retarder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to MediumTechnical, Scientific, Industrial, Safety
Quick answer
What does “flame retarder” mean?
A substance or material that inhibits or resists the spread of fire.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A substance or material that inhibits or resists the spread of fire.
A chemical additive, coating, or treatment applied to materials to make them less flammable or to slow down combustion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Flame retardant' is the dominant nominal form in both regions, but 'flame retarder' is accepted and understood.
Connotations
Technical, neutral. Carries connotations of safety, regulation, and material science.
Frequency
More frequent in technical documentation, safety standards (e.g., BS, ASTM, UL), and industrial contexts than in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “flame retarder” in a Sentence
[Material] is coated/impregnated/treated with a flame retarder.The [product] contains/adds/incorporates a flame retarder.A flame retarder is applied to [surface/material].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flame retarder” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The new furniture regulations require the use of a more environmentally friendly flame retarder.
- This foam has a brominated flame retarder added during manufacture.
American English
- The building code specifies a Class A flame retarder for these insulation materials.
- Researchers are developing a novel, non-toxic flame retarder for textiles.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in procurement, safety compliance reports, and product specifications for furniture, electronics, and construction.
Academic
Found in chemistry, materials science, polymer engineering, and fire safety research papers.
Everyday
Rare. Might be encountered in safety labels for children's pyjamas, upholstery, or building insulation.
Technical
Core term in safety engineering, regulatory testing (e.g., UL 94, FMVSS 302), and chemical formulation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flame retarder”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flame retarder”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flame retarder”
- Confusing 'retarder' (noun) with 'retardant' (adj/noun).
- Misspelling as 'flame retarter'.
- Using in non-technical contexts where 'fireproof' would be simpler.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In common usage, they are often synonymous as nouns referring to the substance. 'Flame retardant' is also frequently used as an adjective (e.g., flame-retardant fabric). 'Flame retarder' is exclusively a noun.
They are used in a wide array of products including electronics (circuit boards, casings), textiles (furniture, curtains, children's nightwear), building materials (insulation, upholstered furniture), and transportation (car seats, aircraft interiors).
While most are chemical additives, some physical mechanisms (like intumescent coatings that swell to form an insulating char) also act as flame retarders. The term broadly encompasses any agent that retards flame.
Certain chemical flame retarders, particularly some brominated and chlorinated types, have been linked to environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential health risks, leading to regulatory restrictions and a push for greener alternatives.
A substance or material that inhibits or resists the spread of fire.
Flame retarder is usually technical, scientific, industrial, safety in register.
Flame retarder: in British English it is pronounced /fleɪm rɪˈtɑː.dər/, and in American English it is pronounced /fleɪm rɪˈtɑːr.dɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A flame retarder makes fire LATER.' It retards (delays) the flame.
Conceptual Metaphor
FIRE IS AN ADVANCING FORCE / THE SUBSTANCE IS A BARRIER OR SLOWING AGENT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a flame retarder?