kindling

== English == === Etymology === From kindle + -ing. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈkɪnd.lɪŋ/ Rhymes: -ɪndlɪŋ === Noun === kindling (plural kindlings) Small pieces of wood and twigs used to start a fire. Coordinate terms: tinder; firewood The act by which something is kindled. December 14, 1784, Hester Rogers, letter to the Rev. Mr. Fletcher The kindlings of love which had been felt before, now became a flame in every believing soul; and when fallen on our knees, the power of God descended of a truth […] ==== Usage notes ==== Kindling refers to the second stage of building a fire: tinder is used to light kindling, which then lights the main fire. ==== Translations ==== === Adjective === kindling (comparative more kindling, superlative most kindling) Illuminated, lit. === Verb === kindling present participle and gerund of kindle