autoignition

noun

au·​to·​ignition

plural -s

1

: self-ignition in an internal-combustion engine cylinder either as a result of the heat of the compression alone or from this in combination with glowing carbon compare preignition

2

: spontaneous combustion

autoignite intransitive verb

autoignited; autoigniting; autoignites

Apparently these additives sufficiently lower the ignition temperature of the particulates that are collected on the trap for the particulates to autoignite.

—W. D. Route et al., Oil & Gas Journal, 25 Jan. 1982

Word History

Etymology

aut- + ignition

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!