friction match
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- 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