Lighting and controlling fire was a huge step in human evolution.
The Latin word incendĕre came into Spanish as ignition . It is a verb with several meanings recognized by the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) in its dictionary .
The first meaning that the RAE includes refers to promoting the beginning of combustion . According to chemistry, the reaction that occurs between an oxidizable substance and oxygen, characterized by the presence of flames and the release of energy, is called combustion.
Light the fire
Since lighting is associated with starting a combustion , the action usually refers to starting a fire or setting fire . The ability to light and control fire marked a great evolutionary step in human history.
It is estimated that people gained control of the flames about 400,000 years ago. In any case, it is believed that the conscious use of fire is much older.
By learning to light a fire , humans were able to start cooking (stewing) food , thereby reducing the acquisition of diseases linked to the microbes present in raw foods. This practice also diversified nutrition.
Lighting fire, on the other hand, allowed primitive man to produce heat to cope with low temperatures, thus being able to advance towards regions with cold climates. Another advantage it provided was keeping predators away .
Techniques to promote combustion
In the Paleolithic , fire was lit in two ways: by percussion or by friction . In the first case, two stones were collided to generate sparks.
With the friction technique, meanwhile, dry wood was rubbed over a notch in another wood, causing chips to accumulate. These chips were heating up little by little thanks to the constant movement and finally combustion began.
Another elementary method for lighting a fire consists of using a mirror or magnifying glass to concentrate the sun's rays on the same point of a fuel. The increase in temperature , in this framework, promotes ignition.
Currently there are various devices and utensils that facilitate the task. Matches , matches or matches ; the lighters ; and lighters are present in every home.
It is possible to turn on a television with the corresponding remote control (also called remote control).
Turn on a device
It is important to consider that the verb ignite is not always associated with fire. The term can also be used to name the act that starts a device, a machine, a system or a device .
Turning on the television , then, involves making this equipment work. For this all you have to do is press a button. Something similar happens when you turn on a computer or turn on a radio .
It is also common to talk about turning on the light . By pressing a key or turning a knob, the circuit is activated that leads to a spotlight, lamp or bulb to illuminate.
The concept linked to moods and emotions
Ignite, finally, can be about inflaming, enlivening, stirring up or exciting something . These uses are linked to moods, feelings, emotions , etc.
Many times the expression "ignite passion" is used. Thus, resources and acts are mentioned that aim to spark a passionate moment in a couple . To ignite passion, it is possible to prepare a romantic dinner, light candles and play romantic music, for example.