ignition

[ ig-nish-uhn ]

noun

1. the act or fact of igniting; state of being ignited.
2. a means or device for igniting.
3. (in an internal-combustion engine) the process that ignites the fuel in the cylinder.

ignition

/ ɪɡˈnɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of initiating combustion
2. the process of igniting the fuel in an internal-combustion engine
3. the ignition
   the devices used to ignite the fuel in an internal-combustion engine

Other Words From

• reig·nition noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ignition¹

1605–15; Medieval Latin ignītiōn- (stem of ignītiō ) a setting on fire. See ignite, -ion

Example Sentences

Use extreme caution with any potential ignition sources.

From Los Angeles Times

“If fire ignition occurs, conditions are favorable for rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior which would threaten life and property,” the National Weather Service said, warning that the winds Wednesday and Thursday could be more dangerous than earlier in the week, forecasting “even stronger Santa Ana winds and drier fuels.”

From Los Angeles Times

According to a red flag warning issued for Southern California, “if fire ignition occurs, conditions are favorable for rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior which would threaten life and property.”

From Los Angeles Times

Most Californians can expect cooler temperatures for the next few days, though a midweek switch in weather patterns is forecast to amp up winds, increasing the risk for wildfire ignition and spread.

From Los Angeles Times

But Southern California Edison has said its electrical equipment probably helped start the fire, thought to have had at least two ignition points.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blast
• burst
• detonation
• firing
• outbreak
• outburst