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

I will tell you," replied the gipsy, striking a light with a flint and touchwood that he carried; "I will tell you; though you shall soon be able to satisfy yourself.

From The Gipsy (Vols I & II) A Tale by James, G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford)

“Why, take the wasps’ nest in that old touchwood tree.

From Hollowdell Grange Holiday Hours in a Country Home by Fenn, George Manville

Besides the two sorts of touchwood already mentioned, there is another kind of it in those parts, that I think is infinitely preferable to either.

From A Journey from Prince of Wales's Fort in Hudson's Bay to the Northern Ocean in the Years 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772 New Edition with Introduction, Notes, and Illustrations by Tyrrell, J. B.