Definition of the word ignition

The word "ignition" originated in the mid-19th century from the Latin word "ignis," which means "fire." The French word for ignition, "allumage," was adopted by scientists in the late 1800s to describe the process by which a fuel-air mixture is set on fire in engines. The English variation, "ignition," became popular in the early 1900s as automobiles and airplanes began to rely more heavily on internal combustion engines. Today, the word "ignition" is commonly used to describe the process by which a controlled explosion is initiated in various types of engines, including gasoline, diesel, and jet engines. It is also used in scientific contexts to describe the process by which a chemical reaction is initiated through the application of heat or another form of energy.