tinder
/ˈtɪndər/
noun
- A dry, easily flammable material used to start a fire.
- Without dry tinder, it is very hard to start a fire in the rain.
- He gathered dry leaves and small twigs to use as tinder for the campfire.
- The survivalist always carries a small container of char cloth as tinder.
- Something that is likely to cause a strong reaction or conflict.
- The politician's comments were tinder for the ongoing debate about immigration.
- The unfair policy became tinder for protests across the country.
- Their argument was tinder waiting for a spark to ignite a full fight.