touchwood

[ tuhch-wood ]

noun

1. wood converted into an easily ignitible substance by the action of certain fungi, and used as tinder; punk.
2. Mycology. amadou.

touchwood

/ ˈtʌtʃˌwʊd /

noun

1. something, esp dry wood or fungus material such as amadou, used as tinder

Word History and Origins

Origin of touchwood¹

First recorded in 1570–80; touch + wood ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of touchwood¹

C16: touch (in the sense: to kindle) + wood ¹

Example Sentences

After a time, in place of the touchwood, tinder was used, which was made by scorching old linen handkerchiefs.

From Project Gutenberg

“No—no—d—n it—no,” said Touchwood, extremely angry at his disaster, and the cause of it.

From Project Gutenberg

Since Tyrrel's departure, no one pretends to guess what old Touchwood will do with his money.

From Project Gutenberg

I guess we shall have to put a new bottom into her, for most of her planks are as rotten as touchwood.

From Project Gutenberg

These men and horses and the gun were put on board this big tinder-box, all fire and touchwood.

From Project Gutenberg