Definition

Noun: A small, solid block or piece of a highly flammable substance, such as wax-impregnated sawdust or a chemical compound, specifically designed to ignite easily and burn with a steady, hot flame to assist in starting a fire, particularly in a fireplace, stove, or barbecue using solid fuels like coal or coke.

Usage

A firelighter is used as a convenient and reliable tool to initiate combustion. It is placed under the fuel (e.g., coal, coke, charcoal, or logs) and lit. Its primary function is to provide a sustained, hot flame long enough to ignite the less flammable primary fuel.

Examples

• Noun:
  • We used two firelighters to get the barbecue coals burning quickly.
  • For a safe and easy start, place a firelighter under the grate before adding the coal.
  • These natural wax firelighters are odorless and very effective.

Advanced Usage

• "Eco-friendly/biodegradable firelighter": A firelighter made from natural, sustainable materials like wood wool and vegetable wax, designed to minimize environmental impact.
  • I prefer to use eco-friendly firelighters for my camping trips.

Variants and Related Words

• Fire starter (n): A more general term for any device or material used to start a fire, which can include firelighters, but also ferrocerium rods, magnesium blocks, or even dry tinder.
• Kindling (n): Small, dry sticks or twigs used to catch fire from a flame (like that of a firelighter) and then transfer it to larger logs. It is a natural material, whereas a firelighter is a manufactured product.
• Tinder (n): Very fine, dry, fluffy material (e.g., dry grass, birch bark, specialized char cloth) that catches a spark or small flame instantly. A firelighter is a more substantial, longer-burning aid than tinder.

Synonyms

• Igniter (n): A general term for something that initiates burning.
• Firelighter block (n): Emphasizes the typical solid, block-like form.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To light/start a fire with a firelighter: The standard phrase describing its use.
  • It's much simpler to light the stove with a firelighter than with old newspaper.

Noun

1. (a piece of) a substance that burns easily and can be used to start a coal or coke fire