tinder

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   dry, easily combustible material used to start a fire

   She struck a spark into the dry tinder and gently blew on it.

2. 2
   noun

   something likely to ignite conflict, anger, or other intense feeling

   The disputed verdict provided tinder for another round of protests.

From Middle English tinder and Old English tynder, from a Germanic family of words for material used to catch a spark. The figurative sense treats social tension as fuel waiting to ignite.

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