friction match

American  

noun

1. a kind of match tipped with a compound that ignites by friction.

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friction match British  

noun

1. a match that ignites as a result of the heat produced by friction when it is struck on a rough surface See also safety match

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Etymology

Origin of friction match

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

friction match

And who really invented those later marvels, the friction match, the barometer, the airplane, the steamboat?

From Time Magazine Archive

So simple an invention as the discovery of the friction match saved hours of labor and permitted hours of leisure to be used in other ways.

From History of Human Society by Blackmar, Frank W. (Frank Wilson)

The modern phosphorus friction match came into use about 1833.

From Great Inventions and Discoveries by Piercy, Willis Duff

The sewing-machine had brought with it, like the friction match, one of the most profound influences in modifying domestic life, and making it different from that of all preceding time.

From Edison, His Life and Inventions by Dyer, Frank Lewis

But the first really practical friction match was made in the United States in 1836 by L.C.

From The Scrap Book, Volume 1, No. 6 August 1906 by Various