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ignitor

ignitor

1 6.7
A small device that makes a spark or flame to light fuel
  • noun
  • /ɪɡˈnaɪtər/
  • Specialized
: encendedor
  • The ignitor sparked to life, igniting the gas and producing a warm flame for cooking.

Examples

  • The electronic ignitors didn't work, but kitchen matches did the job (I have multiple boxes of those).

    Blog text (7)
  • Stand by for launch. Ignitor. (Plissken pushes a button)

    Fiction book (1996)
  • Make sure the ignitor is positioned correctly, so it can easily produce a flame when needed.

  • After replacing the ignitor, the furnace started heating the house efficiently again.

Synonyms

match
vsignitor
188 1.0

A small stick with a tip that catches fire when struck

includes simple disposable starters but also mechanical and electrical devices
lighter
vsignitor
108 1.3

A small thing that makes a flame to light cigarettes or candles

is not limited to handheld flame makers and includes spark devices
detonator
vsignitor
  • Specialized
90 6.7

A device that makes an explosion happen, for example in fireworks or mining

is about starting fuels and fires generally rather than detonating charges
fuse
vsignitor
  • Specialized
28 6.1

A cord filled with burning material used to light explosives

is broader, applying to any device that starts fuel or charges
spark plug
vsignitor
  • Specialized
18 3.5

A small part in a car engine that makes a tiny electric flash to light the fuel and air

applies more generally to devices that start various fuels or fires
pilot
vsignitor
  • Specialized
14 8.0

A small flame that lights a larger gas burner

includes devices that start fuel by momentary spark as well as flames
primer
vsignitor
  • Specialized
9 8.8

A small part that makes a bullet fire when hit

is not limited to munitions and applies to general fuel or fire starting
pilot light
vsignitor
  • Specialized
8 3.8

A small gas flame that stays lit to light a larger burner

is broader, covering both continuous flame sources and spark starters
igniter
vsignitor
  • Specialized
5 4.6

A device that makes a flame to start fuel burning

is the general device used to start fuel by spark or flame
firelighter
vsignitor
  • UK
1 5.6

A small piece of material that burns easily to help start a fire in a fireplace or barbecue

is broader and includes devices that directly produce sparks or flames
cigar lighter
vsignitor
1 3.2

A small tool that makes a flame to light cigars or cigarettes

has a wider use, applying to devices that start many fuel types
firestone
vsignitor
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A small piece of flint used to make sparks to light a fire

covers manufactured and mechanical devices that start fuel or charges
fuze
vsignitor
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A small part that starts the burning of explosive material in a shell or rocket

is wider in use, covering many devices that start fuels or fires
firebrand
vsignitor
1 7.2

A piece of burning wood that people use to start a fire

is about devices or items that actively create sparks or flames to start fuel
spark coil
vsignitor
  • Specialized
1 7.3

A device that makes a strong electric spark to light fuel in engines

is the broader device used to start fuel with spark or flame
sparker
vsignitor
1 6.6

A person or tool that makes small hot pieces to start a fire

focuses on devices that start fuel or charges rather than persons
safety fuse
vsignitor
  • Archaic
1 4.2

A slow-burning cord used to light explosives from a safe distance

is the general tool for initiating fuel or charges, not only slow feeds
fusee
vsignitor
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A bright burning stick used to start a fire or signal for help

focuses on devices that actively start fuel by spark or flame
pilot burner
vsignitor
  • Specialized
1 6.1

A small gas flame that stays lit to light a larger flame when needed

focuses on devices that produce an initial ignition by spark or flame
piezo
vsignitor
  • Specialized
1 8.7

A small device that makes a spark to light gas

is for a wide range of spark or flame starters not only specific spark generators

Antonyms

46 3.4

A portable tool that puts out small fires with water or foam

How Hot

blowtorch
  • Specialized
16 4.6
spark plug
  • Specialized
18 3.5
ignitor
  • Specialized
1 6.7
lighter
108 1.3
match
188 1.0

Surface Forms

ignitor singular
ignitors plural

Morphology

ignitor = ignite (transparent) = ignite + or

The device sense is a straightforward agent/instrument reading from 'ignite' + '-or'; learners who know 'ignite' can deduce a device that ignites.

Etymology

Ignitor comes from the Latin word ignis meaning 'fire' and is related to ignite, which means 'to start a fire', while the ending -or means 'one who' or 'that which'. So an ignitor is a device that makes a spark or flame to start fuel or fires.