touch paper

noun

1. paper saturated with potassium nitrate to make it burn slowly, used for igniting explosives and fireworks.

Word History and Origins

Origin of touch paper¹

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

It is not necessary,” Hawking and Mlodinow write, “to invoke God to light the blue touch paper and set the universe going.

From The Daily Beast

William made some touch-paper, which he lighted with one of the glasses from the telescope, and they soon had a good fire.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, if the ashes of a cigar be well rubbed into a bit of paper, they convert it into touch-paper.

From Project Gutenberg

So will gunpowder, for out of four parts of it, three are saltpetre; damaged gunpowder may be used for making touch-paper.

From Project Gutenberg

It was held there, for a minute, while the mate struck a light and applied it to the touch paper.

From Project Gutenberg

I don't know as a regular fuse would do, as it might go out for want of air; but there would be plenty to keep touch paper alight.

From Project Gutenberg