Definition of "volatile" in English

adjective

1. (physics) Evaporating or vaporizing readily under normal conditions.

2. (informal) Of a substance, explosive.

3. (economics, finance) Of a price, variable or erratic.

4. Of a person, quick to become angry or violent.

   • a volatile man

5. Fickle.

6. Temporary or ephemeral.

7. Of a situation potentially violent.

8. (programming) Of a variable etc., having its associated memory immediately updated with any changes in value.

9. (computing) Of memory, whose content is lost when the computer is powered down.

10. (obsolete) Passing through the air on wings, or by the buoyant force of the atmosphere; flying; having the power to fly.

noun

1. A chemical or compound that changes into a gas easily.

2. (programming) A variable that is volatile, i.e. has its associated memory immediately updated with any change in value.