ignition

noun

ig·​ni·​tion ig-ˈni-shən 

1

a

: the device that is used to ignite the fuel mixture in a gasoline engine

put the key in the ignition

b

: the process or means (such as an electric spark) of igniting a fuel mixture

2

: the act or action of igniting: such as

a

: the starting of a fire

b

: the heating of a plasma to a temperature high enough to sustain nuclear fusion

Examples of ignition in a Sentence

There's a problem with the car's ignition.

Recent Examples on the Web

Use extreme caution with any potential ignition sources. —Chris Boyette, CNN, 6 Nov. 2024

This plan to reduce that centers on ignition interlocks. —Chris Ramirez, Journal Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2024

But ours sparks, under certain conditions, those sparks can turn into an ignition. —Fortune Editors, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2024

Fire’s perfect storm Wildfires rely on three key elements to spread: conducive weather, dry fuel and an ignition source. —Virginia Iglesias, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

ignition

noun

ig·​ni·​tion ig-ˈnish-ən 

1

: the act of igniting

2

: the process or means (as an electric spark) of igniting a fuel mixture

also : an electrical device for operating an ignition system (as in an automobile)

put the key in the ignition