initiation
n. C / Un. the act of starting a process or a chemical reaction. It can also mean the ceremony or actions someone goes through to join a group.
n. the action of beginning a process or set of events; in chemistry, the first step of a chain reaction where a reactive intermediate is generated.
The initiation of the project began with a team meeting.
In the laboratory, the initiation of the polymerisation process requires a specific catalyst to trigger the first chemical bond.
The rapid initiation of the combustion sequence was facilitated by a high-energy spark, leading to a self-sustaining chain reaction within the chamber.
Borrowed from Middle French initiation, from Latin initiātiō. Morphologically initiate + -ion.
Uncountable when referring to the abstract act of starting; countable when referring to specific ceremonies or distinct chemical events.