A lighter is a portable device that produces a flame, typically used for igniting cigarettes, candles, or other small objects. Lighters can be fueled by various flammable substances, such as butane, propane, or lighter fluid, and they typically consist of a fuel reservoir, a valve, and a spark ignition mechanism. Disposable lighters are the most common type and are often made of plastic, while refillable lighters are made of metal and can be used multiple times by refilling the fuel reservoir.
Lighters have been around for centuries, with the first known example being the tinderbox, which was invented in the 16th century. Tinderboxes were used to create a spark by striking flint against steel, which would then ignite tinder, a highly flammable material. In the 19th century, the first friction match was invented, which was much easier to use than tinderboxes and quickly became the preferred method of ignition. However, friction matches were not always reliable, and in the early 20th century, the first lighters were invented. Lighters were much more reliable than matches and quickly became the preferred method of ignition for smokers and other users.
