match

³match

noun

Definition of MATCH

1

: a chemically prepared wick or cord formerly used in firing firearms or powder

2

: a short slender piece of flammable material (as wood) tipped with a combustible mixture that bursts into flame when slightly heated through friction (as by being scratched against a rough surface)

Origin of MATCH

Middle English macche, mecche candlewick, from Anglo-French meche

First Known Use: 1549