tinder
Catches sparks easily
Tinder is dry, flammable material used to start fires—paper, dry leaves, small twigs, or specially prepared substances that catch a spark easily.
The word extends metaphorically to anything that could ignite conflict or passion: The economic crisis was tinder for revolution.
A tinderbox was originally a container for tinder and flint; now it means a volatile situation ready to explode. (Capitalized Tinder is a dating app.)
Tiny fiery particle
- flintSpark-producing sedimentary rock
- firesteelSpark-producing survival tool
- matchesPairs that align
- lighterComparative of not heavy
striker · friction · flashpoint · ember · smolder · glow · ignite · flame
spark
Tiny fiery particle
lighter · striker · friction · flashpoint · ember · smolder · glow · ignite · flame · char
birchbark
White tree outer layer
straw · jute · twigs · paper · excelsior · peat · chips · shavings · punk · moss
brittle
Liable to shatter
flimsy · lightweight · airy · papery · wispy · thin · breakable · dusty · desiccated
- firewoodfirewood, logs, cordwood, split wood, seasoned wood
- forest debrisdead leaves, twigs, pine needles, fallen logs, rotting logs
- Bushcraftfire starting, shelter building, water purification, animal tracking, foraging
- fire startingfire steel, fire drill, bow drill, hand drill, fire plow
- fireflame, blaze, flames, inferno, embers
- Bonfireflames, fire pit, embers, firewood, logs
tinderfire retardant
Substance that inhibits ignition
fireproof material · asbestos · fire-resistant · nonflammable · flame retardant
- tinder boxVessel for fire-starting materials
- tinder bundleGathered combustible material for ignition