autoignition

[ aw-toh-ig-nish-uhn ]

/ ˌɔ toʊ ɪgˈnɪʃ ən /

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noun

Automotive. the spontaneous ignition of fuel when introduced into the combustion chamber of an internal-combustion engine, as a result either of glowing carbon in the chamber or of the heat of compression.

spontaneous combustion.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of autoignition

auto-¹ + ignition

Words nearby autoignition

autograph, autography, Autoharp, autohypnosis, autoicous, autoignition, autoignition point, autoimmune, autoimmune disease, autoimmunization, autoinfection