Volatile describes something that can change quickly and unpredictably, or a substance that easily turns into gas.
From Latin “volatilis,” meaning “winged, able to fly,” from “volare,” meaning “to fly.” The idea of flying away became a metaphor for things that disappear or change quickly.
When a liquid is volatile, its molecules are eager to escape into the air—that’s why you can smell gasoline or alcohol easily. Economists borrowed the word to describe markets that “fly up and down” unpredictably.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.