Dictionary

tinderbox

noun tin·der·box \ˈtin-dər-ˌbäks\

: a box that holds material that can be used to start a fire easily : a container for tinder

: a structure that would burn very quickly if it caught on fire

: a place or situation that could suddenly become very violent

Full Definition of TINDERBOX

1
a :  a metal box for holding tinder and usually a flint and steel for striking a spark
b :  a highly inflammable object or place
2
:  a potentially explosive place or situation
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First Known Use of TINDERBOX

1530

Related to TINDERBOX

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