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

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

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

Within the House his captors searched him, coming upon the tinder box, touchwood, and Winter's watch—things which were to bear heavy evidence against the prisoner.

From The Fifth of November A Romance of the Stuarts by Bentley, Charles S.

There was Guido Fawkes, with touchwood and matches upon him, only waiting for the signal which was to be given him in a few hours.

From The Children of Westminster Abbey Studies in English History by Kingsley, Rose Georgina

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)