Definition of "volatile" []

• Chemistry Evaporating readily at normal temperatures and pressures. (adjective)
• Chemistry That can be readily vaporized. (adjective)
• Tending to vary often or widely, as in price: the ups and downs of volatile stocks. (adjective)
• Inconstant; fickle: a flirt's volatile affections. (adjective)
• Lighthearted; flighty: in a volatile mood. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "She also called on the U.S. and NATO to ensure they take all necessary precautions in what she described as a volatile and complex situation."
• "Botswana on Thursday expressed concern at what it described as a volatile political situation in Zimbabwe."
• "Jeffrey R. Immelt, G.E.'s chief executive, said that the company was pleased with the results, the sixth consecutive quarter of double digit growth in operating earnings, in what he called a "volatile macro environment.""