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

Following Finn’s igniter, Zachary Ford returned a Tyler fumble 33 yards for a score and Micah Kelly added a short TD run.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 23, 2021

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

At the Cape, I pressed a cork plug inside the nozzle to hold the Nichrome-wire igniter in place.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam