a match or fuse that burns slowly without flame, esp a wick impregnated with potassium nitrate
slow match in American English
a match, or fuse, that burns slowly, used for setting off blasting charges
slow match in American English
noun
a slow-burning match or fuse, often consisting of a rope or cord soaked in a solution of saltpeter
Word origin
[1795–1805]This word is first recorded in the period 1795–1805. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: hopscotch, mannerism, sharpshooter, unilateral, wrecker