ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
1.
a. : a metal box for holding tinder and usually a flint and steel for striking a spark
b. : an object (as a building) or place containing highly inflammable material
the old tenements are tinderboxes ready to go up in flame
region 5 of the United States forest service is America's touchiest tinderbox — Frank Cameron
2. : a person or thing containing inflammatory or explosive potentialities especially for strife or conflict
the whole Caribbean region was a tinderbox ; only a spark was needed to set it off — H.B.Murkland
events that were potentially the tinderbox of World War III — Saturday Review