ˈtində(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English tynder, tyndre; akin to Old High German zuntra tinder, Old Norse tundr; akin to Old English tendan to kindle, Old High German zunten, Old Norse tendra, Gothic tandjan to kindle, tundnan to burn
1. : an inflammable substance that readily takes spark or fire and is adaptable for use as kindling
the woods are dry as tinder
— see punk III
2. : something that serves to incite, inflame, or spread abroad a movement, idea, or development
men who are spiritually unfulfilled … are prey for the demagogue, tinder for the incendiary — C.T.Lanham
the spark of your idea will … spread through the fresh tinder of new generations — L.J.Halle
the human tinder that he writes about its best suited to kindle … wild mob rule — Atlantic