Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of causing something to start burning: The process or action of setting something on fire.
   • The mechanism for starting combustion in an engine: The system or components in an internal-combustion engine that generate a spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture.
   • The process of catching fire: The event or sequence of events when a substance begins to burn.

Usage and Examples

• Referring to the act or process:

  • The ignition of the gas leak caused a large explosion. (The starting of the fire in the gas leak caused a large explosion.)
  • Spontaneous ignition can occur with some chemicals. (The process of catching fire without an external flame can occur with some chemicals.)

• Referring to the engine mechanism:

  • Turn the key in the ignition to start the car. (Turn the key in the engine's starting mechanism to start the car.)
  • A faulty ignition coil can prevent the engine from starting. (A defective part in the spark-generating system can prevent the engine from starting.)

Advanced Usage

• "Ignition point" or "Ignition temperature": The minimum temperature at which a substance will catch fire and continue to burn.
  • Paper has a relatively low ignition temperature.
• "Ignition system": The complete assembly in a vehicle or engine responsible for creating the spark for combustion.
  • The mechanic is checking the entire ignition system.

Variants and Related Words

• Ignite (verb): To cause to catch fire; to set alight.
  • A spark can ignite the fumes.
• Ignitable/Ignitible (adjective): Capable of being set on fire.
  • Keep ignitable materials away from heat.

Synonyms

• Firing: The act of setting something on fire.
• Kindling: The process of starting a fire.
• Combustion initiation: The technical term for starting the burning process.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Ignition key: The key used to operate the ignition switch of a vehicle.
  • I left my ignition key on the seat.
• Ignition switch: The electrical switch that activates a vehicle's ignition system.
  • The problem is with the ignition switch, not the key.
• Ignition timing: The precise adjustment of when the spark occurs in the engine cycle.
  • Proper ignition timing is crucial for engine performance.

Noun

1. the act of setting something on fire
2. the mechanism that ignites the fuel in an internal-combustion engine
3. the process of initiating combustion or catching fire