noun

tinder

TIN-der/ˈtɪndər/

Dry material that catches fire easily.

The dry tinder catches a small flame among grass, shavings, and shredded bark.

A close-up of a loose nest of dry grass, fine wood shavings, and shredded bark catching a small flame, with the dry, unburned fibers still clearly visible.

Etymology

tinderOld Englishreadily ignitable material

Old English tynder named readily ignitable material and was derived from or related to tendan, “to kindle.” Tinder is the material that readily catches fire from sparks.

In context

REI0:35

Tinder is anything that catches fire quickly dry bark and leaves or pine needles are great natural options

How to Build a Fire || REI

More examples

Dry grass makes good tinder for a campfire.
Keep the tinder in a waterproof bag.
A single spark ignites the tinder.

Similar words

kindling: Small sticks that usually catch fire after the tinder.
fuel: Any material burned for energy, not necessarily easy to ignite.