noun
ignition
ihg-NIH-shuhn
noun
1
The act or process of setting something on fire, or the point at which combustion begins.
"The spilled fuel caused ignition within seconds."
"Ignition temperature varies widely between materials."
2
The system that starts combustion in an engine, or the switch/slot used to start a vehicle.
"She turned the key in the ignition and the engine roared to life."
"A faulty ignition switch left the car stranded in the car park."
How to Use Ignition
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe moment something catches fire or starts running — most often used for engines and car keys.
Common pairings
turn the ignition
ignition key
ignition switch
point of ignition
Word Forms
ignitions plural
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Etymology
Borrowed from French ignition, ultimately from Latin ignis, "fire."