touchwood

[ tuhch-wood ]

noun

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

touchwood

/ ˈtʌtʃˌwʊd /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of touchwood¹

First recorded in 1570–80; touch + wood ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of touchwood¹

C16: touch (in the sense: to kindle) + 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 Literature

For an hour I laboured in the making of a torch, which I constructed of touchwood bound about by reeds.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

Its wooden tenements had caught, and blazed like touchwood.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg