Phrase guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.
noun
A sulfur friction match whose head is treated with equal parts antimony trisulfide and potassium chlorate.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: UK, obsolete
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Synonym of phosphorus match, a strike-anywhere friction match coated with white phosphorus.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: UK, archaic
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: phosphorus match
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Synonym of friction match, inclusive of safety matches.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: UK, archaic, proscribed, sometimes
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: friction match, inclusive of safety matches
Antonyms: none provided
History
From Latin lucifer (“bringer of light”), originally a brand name for Isaac Holden's match formulation as marketed by Samuel Jones from 1829 or 1830 but soon transferred to the era's friction matches generally.
