allumette

match (for lighting fire)

noun ah-loo-MET Less Common

Usage Note

allumette comes from the verb allumer (to light). Allumettes (plural) is the standard way to refer to a box of matches. Mince comme une allumette ('thin as a matchstick') is a common simile. Pommes allumettes are thin-cut matchstick fries.

Examples

"Il a frotté une allumette pour allumer la bougie."

Natural Translation

He struck a match to light the candle.

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