ignite

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Ignited p. pr. & vb. n. Igniting. ] [ L. ignitus, p. p. of ignire to ignite, fr. ignis fire. See Igneous. ] 1. To kindle or set on fire; as, to ignite paper or wood. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Chem.) To subject to the action of intense heat; to heat strongly; -- often said of incombustible or infusible substances; as, to ignite iron or platinum. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To take fire; to begin to burn. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. set afire or burning.
Syn. -- enkindled, kindled, lit, lighted. [ WordNet 1.5 +PJC ]