Flint

/flɪnt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A hard, sedimentary cryptocrystalline form of silica (SiO2) that fractures conchoidally and is often used to create tools and start fires.

Early humans used flint to make sharp tools for cutting and hunting.

A piece of flint used for producing a spark to ignite a fire.

The camper struck the flint against steel to ignite the dry leaves.

Used figuratively to refer to toughness or resilience.

Her determination was like flint, unyielding in the face of adversity.

verb

To light or kindle a flame, especially using flint.

He flinted the match with a quick flick of his thumb.

Middle English flint, from Old English flinta.

strike flint:

To create a spark or ignite a fire by striking flint against a metal.

In some contexts, flint refers to a person who is tough or hard to deal with.

He's a flint character when it comes to negotiations.

Flint can also mean someone who is very resourceful or unyielding.

She handled the crisis with flint; nothing could shake her resolve.