igniter

Everyday

1. A device or part that starts a fire or makes a fuel catch light, such as the clicker on a gas cooker or barbecue. tree →
2. A small substance or charge that sets off a bigger burning, as in rockets and fireworks. tree →

In the lessons

In science and safety lessons, an igniter is what gives the spark or heat to start burning: gas hobs, boilers, lighters, rocket motors. Safety: only adults should use igniters and lighters; never play with them. Phrases: spark igniter, gas igniter, the igniter is broken.

Examples

• The igniter on the barbecue clicks and makes a spark. tree →
• Our gas cooker has an igniter, so we don't need matches. tree →
• The rocket's igniter lit the fuel and it whooshed into the sky. tree →
• The boiler would not start because the igniter was broken. tree →
• Never play with lighters or igniters. tree →
• The model rocket kit came with a small electric igniter. tree →

Note

Verb: «ignite» (to catch or set on fire); noun: «ignition». Both spellings «igniter» and «ignitor» are used. In science: burning needs fuel, oxygen and heat — the igniter supplies the heat (the fire triangle).