Definition

Noun: 1. A device for starting a fire or igniting fuel: An ignitor is a tool or mechanism designed to produce a spark or flame to set something on fire, such as a gas burner, an engine, or a fuse. 2. A substance used to start a fire: An ignitor can also refer to a chemical or material that is easily set alight and used to ignite a larger fire.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Device):
  • The mechanic replaced the faulty ignitor in the furnace.
  • The pilot light's ignitor clicks when you turn the knob.
• Noun (Substance):
  • They used dry grass and twigs as an ignitor for the campfire.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In engineering, an is a critical component in systems like gas turbines, rocket engines, or certain types of lamps, where it initiates combustion.
  • The spacecraft's engine ignitor must function perfectly for a successful launch.

Variants and Related Words

• Ignite (verb): To cause to catch fire.
  • A spark can ignite the gas.
• Ignition (noun): The action of setting something on fire or starting combustion; also, the mechanism for this in a vehicle.
  • He turned the key in the ignition.
• Ignitable/Ignitible (adjective): Capable of being set on fire.

Synonyms

• Lighter: A device, typically handheld, for lighting cigarettes or fires.
• Fuse: A cord or device designed to burn at a steady rate to ignite an explosive.
• Kindling: Material for starting a fire (specifically as a substance).
• Tinder: Dry material that easily catches fire from a spark.

Related Phrases

• Pilot light: A small, continuously burning gas flame used to ignite a main burner.
• Spark plug: A device in an internal combustion engine that produces a spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture.

Noun

1. a device for lighting or igniting fuel or charges or fires
   • do you have a light?
2. a substance used to ignite or kindle a fire