friction match

noun

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

friction match

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of friction match¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

But in that year Preschel had a factory in Vienna, Austria, for the manufacture of friction matches with phosphorus as the chief chemical.

From Project Gutenberg

Secured behind one of her ears was a cigarette, while a friction match protruded from the other, ready for use.

From Project Gutenberg

As there were no friction matches in those days, it was the custom to kindle a fire by striking sparks with a flint and steel into dry tinder-stuff.

From Project Gutenberg

Thucydides never had his works puffed in a newspaper, Virgil and Horace never poetized or lectured for a lyceum; Charlemagne never saw a locomotive, nor did St. Thomas Aquinas ever use a friction match.

From Project Gutenberg

This took a great deal of time and trouble, and Allin, seeing the necessity for friction matches, set about to make them, and succeeded.

From Project Gutenberg