igniter

American  

[ig-nahy-ter] / ɪgˈnaɪ tər /

noun

1. a person or thing that ignites.

2. Electronics. the carborundum rod used to initiate the discharge in an ignitron tube.

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igniter British  

/ ɪɡˈnaɪtə /

noun

1. a person or thing that ignites

2. a fuse to fire explosive charges

3. an electrical device for lighting a gas turbine

4. a subsidiary electrode in an ignitron

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Etymology

Origin of igniter

First recorded in 1880–85; ignite + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Wind, changes in gas pressure or problems with the igniter can cause the flame to be extinguished, and if there is not routine monitoring, flares can remain unlit for a long time.

From New York Times • Sep. 29, 2022

Just the occasional dull roar of the hot-air balloon’s igniter and the digital squawk of the pilot’s walkie-talkie followed by his steady-voiced exchanges about weather and elevation.

From Washington Post • Apr. 28, 2022

But for the foreseeable future they may have to do it without igniter Mookie Betts, sidelined with a hip injury.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 12, 2021

Instead of being a leadoff hitter and an igniter of the offense, he’s reduced to only playing against right-handed pitchers and remains a liability in the outfield.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 30, 2016

He pulled out his igniter, felt the salamander etched on its silver disc, gave it a flick...

From "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury