rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryignitionEngine starting system
noun

ignition

ig-NISH-un/ɪɡˈnɪʃn/

The initiation of burning.

A spark from the spark plug causes ignition inside the cylinder.

A close-up cutaway of a gasoline engine cylinder at ignition: a spark jumps the spark plug gap and a small flame begins spreading into the compressed mixture above the piston.
Etymology
ignitLatinset on fire
+ionLatinact or process

From “set on fire,” ignition first named heating something until it burned. It later came to name the means of producing the spark that starts combustion in an engine.

In context

Plainly Difficult85:07
the smoldering was a perfect ignition source for the highly flammable plastic
ReWind: Year 5 Omnibus of Plainly Difficult

More examples

  • Dry leaves need only a small spark for ignition.
  • The fuel stays below its ignition temperature.
  • The damp wood resists ignition.

Forms

ignition · ignitions

ignite verb — To cause something to begin burning.

Similar words

lighting
Usually describes deliberately starting a flame in something specific.
kindling
Emphasizes getting a fire started, often using small, dry materials.