ignition
ig-NISH-un
/ɪɡˈnɪʃ.ən/
The act of setting something on fire or starting combustion; the mechanism that starts an engine.
Focuses precisely on the starting moment or catalyst that sparks combustion.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin ignitionem, based on ignis, the ancient Latin word for fire (which also gives us igneous rocks).
Word relationships
- kindling: Kindling refers to the material used to start a fire, while ignition is the process or spark itself.
- initiation: Initiation is a general starting process, whereas ignition specifically involves combustion.
- extinction: Extinction is the complete ending of combustion.
Commonly confused with
- combustion: Ignition is the initial spark; combustion is the ongoing chemical burning process.
Word family
- ignite (verb): To set fire to or catch fire.
- ignitable (adjective): Capable of being set on fire.
Collocations
- ignition source
- ignition temperature
- point of ignition
Example sentences
- "Investigators traced the point of ignition to a faulty light fixture in the kitchen." Fire Investigation
- "Turn the key in the ignition switch to start the vehicle's engine." Automotive Engineering
Memory hook
IGNITION begins with IG- (like IGNITE) and starts the engine. Ignite the spark.
When not to use
Do not use to describe ongoing burning; it refers specifically to the beginning phase.
Fun facts
- The autoignition temperature is the lowest temperature at which a substance spontaneously ignites without an external spark.
Related words
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