firestone
Definition
Noun: 1. A type of sandstone: A dense, siliceous sandstone that is highly resistant to intense heat. It is historically used to line the interiors of fireplaces, furnaces, and kilns. 2. A piece of flint: A piece of flint (or iron pyrite) that is struck against steel to produce sparks for starting a fire.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Sandstone):
- The old forge was lined with firestone to contain the extreme heat.
- They quarried firestone to build the lining for the new pottery kiln.
- Noun (Flint):
- The survival kit included a steel striker and a piece of firestone.
- Before matches, people used firestone and tinder to ignite a flame.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Technical Context: The term is primarily used in historical, geological, or traditional craftsmanship contexts (e.g., blacksmithing, historical restoration). In modern construction, refractory bricks have largely replaced it.
- Figurative Use (Rare): Can be used poetically to describe something very hard or durable.
- His resolve was like firestone, unyielding and tough.
Variants and Related Words
- Flint: A hard, sedimentary form of quartz that can be used as a firestone. Often used synonymously in the context of starting fires.
- Iron pyrite ("Fool's gold"): A mineral that can also be used as a firestone when struck against steel.
- Hearthstone: A stone forming a hearth; sometimes made of firestone.
- Refractory stone: A more general technical term for heat-resistant stone.
Synonyms
- For the sandstone: Ganister, Quartzite (in certain forms), refractory sandstone.
- For the flint: Flint, Strike-a-light, Spark stone.
Related Phrases
- To strike a firestone: The action of hitting a flint or pyrite against steel to create sparks.
- He practiced how to strike a firestone efficiently.
Related Idioms
- (As) hard as firestone: An idiom emphasizing extreme hardness or durability.
- The old bread was as hard as firestone.
Noun
-
a sandstone that withstands intense heat; used to line fireplaces and furnaces and kilns
-
a piece of flint that is struck to light a fire
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