ignition

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the process of starting combustion or another self-sustaining energy-producing reaction

   Fusion ignition occurs when the reaction begins to generate enough heat to sustain itself.

2. 2
   noun

   the system or mechanism that starts an internal-combustion engine

   She turned the key in the ignition, but the engine did not start.

Borrowed through French ignition from Late Latin ignitio, based on Latin ignire ("to set on fire"), from ignis ("fire"). The word later extended from ordinary burning to engines and self-sustaining nuclear reactions.

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