touchwood

American  

[tuhch-wood] / ˈtʌtʃˌwʊd /

noun

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

2. Mycology. amadou.

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touchwood British  

/ ˈtʌtʃˌwʊd /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of touchwood

First recorded in 1570–80; touch + wood ¹

Example Sentences

Glaring at me, he rushed to the cannon, knocking it askew in his haste, and thrust the touchwood against the fuse.

From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood

As he lifted his smouldering stick of touchwood and blew on it, he caught sight of me for the first time.

From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood

If any one is about to die suddenly, or to lose a relation, he will light upon touchwood, or a rotten bough, and “cuckoo.”

From Rambles in an Old City comprising antiquarian, historical, biographical and political associations by Madders, S. S.

Everyone of them 'as 'ad their brains cut out and chunks of rotten touchwood put in the place of it.

From The Wonderful Visit by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)

At intervals came the indistinct murmur of voices, the flash of hurried sparks dropped upon touchwood, the rattle of cannon balls, the ramming home of charges down slim-waisted guns.

From The Plowshare and the Sword A Tale of Old Quebec by Trevena, John