friction match

noun
1.
a kind of match tipped with a compound that ignites by friction.
Origin
1830-40, Americanism
Examples from the web for friction match
  • New ignition sources were introduced, such as the steam-driven locomotive and the friction match.
British Dictionary definitions for friction match

friction match

noun
1.
a match that ignites as a result of the heat produced by friction when it is struck on a rough surface See also safety match