Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index

Lighter

A lighter is a device used for creating fire, it contains a (usually) plastic container in which there is lighter fluid (similar to kerosene) and a wick. The wick is saturated with the lighter fluid drawing it to the tope of the lighter. A spark is created in the top of the lighter by stricking metal against flint; this in turn ignites the fluid causing a flame to come out of the top of the lighter.

There are also butane lighters which use butane as a fuel.

The purpose of a lighter is the same as a match and is primarly used to provide a flame for igniting a cigarette.

See also Zippo.