Definition

Noun: A small, thin stick of wood or cardboard, with a tip coated in a chemical compound that ignites when rubbed with force against a specially prepared rough surface. It is a common tool for creating a flame.

Usage

A "friction match" is used to start a fire or light something by striking it. * He lit the candle with a friction match. * Before lighters were common, people relied on friction matches.

Advanced Usage

• The term "friction match" is often used in historical or technical contexts to distinguish early, strike-anywhere matches from modern safety matches, which require a specific striking surface on the box.
  • The invention of the friction match in the 19th century made lighting fires much more convenient.

Variants and Related Words

• Match (n): The common, shortened form of "friction match."
• Safety match (n): A type of match that ignites only when struck against a special surface on its box.
• Lucifer (n, archaic): An old-fashioned term for a friction match.

Synonyms

• Lighter (a broader term for any device that produces a flame)
• Igniter

Related Idioms

• A match for (someone/something): This idiom uses the word "match" in a different sense, meaning an equal or worthy opponent. It is not directly related to the physical object "friction match."
  • She is a match for any challenger in the debate.

Noun

1. lighter consisting of a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical; ignites with friction
   • he always carries matches to light his pipe
   • as long you've a lucifer to light your fag