ignition

The word “ignition” means the act or process of setting something on fire, or the point at which combustion begins. In plain terms, the moment something catches fire or starts running — most often used for engines and car keys.

“Ignition” is pronounced ihg-NIH-shuhn (/ɪɡˈnɪʃən/ in IPA).

Here is “ignition” used in a sentence: “The spilled fuel caused ignition within seconds.”

“Ignition” is a noun.

The word “ignition” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French ignition, ultimately from Latin ignis, "fire.".

“Ignition” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Ignition” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act or process of setting something on fire, or the point at which combustion begins.

Ignition refers to the point at which something first catches fire or a combustion process begins, while combustion is the ongoing chemical reaction of burning itself. Ignition is the trigger or starting moment; combustion is the sustained process that follows.

It can refer to either: the ignition system is the set of components (including the ignition switch) that starts combustion in an engine, and "ignition" is also used loosely to mean the switch or slot where a key is turned to start the vehicle. Context usually clarifies whether the physical part or the process is meant.

The ignition switch is the specific component, often operated by a key or button, that a driver uses to start the engine. The ignition system is the broader network of parts, including the switch, that work together to initiate combustion in the engine.