ignition

/ɪgˈnɪʃən/

/ɪgˈnɪʃən/

Other forms: ignitions

An ignition is the firing up of something, usually an engine. Without ignition, your vehicle isn't going anywhere.

You know how igniting is setting something on fire? That should help you remember that ignition means something is catching fire, like the gadget that ignites the fuel in an internal-combustion engine. Turning the key in a car causes ignition: now the car has started. If the car's battery is dead or there's no gas, ignition isn't possible, and the car won't start. To remember what ignition is, just say the catchphrase of the Human Torch: "Flame on!"

Definitions of ignition

1. noun

   the process of initiating combustion or catching fire
   types:

   spontaneous combustion

   ignition of a substance (as oily rags) resulting from an internal oxidation process

   type of:

   fire, flame, flaming

   the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke
2. noun

   the act of setting something on fire
   synonyms: firing, inflammation, kindling, lighting

   type of:

   burning, combustion

   the act of burning something
3. noun

   the mechanism that ignites the fuel in an internal-combustion engine
   synonyms: ignition system

   type of:

   mechanism

   device consisting of a piece of machinery; has moving parts that perform some function