1. A spongy fungal material obtained from certain tree fungi, used historically as tinder for starting fires or as a styptic to stop bleeding.
Usage: Also called touchwood or punk.; Historically important before modern fire-starting methods.

Examples

• Campers in the 18th century relied on amadou to ignite their fires in damp conditions.
• The fungus was dried and prepared as amadou for use as a fire-starting material.
• Hunters carried amadou in their kits because it caught sparks easily.
• Before matches were invented, amadou was one of the most reliable ways to start a fire.
• The spongy texture of amadou made it ideal for absorbing and holding a spark.