kindling

Etymology

kindle + -ing

noun

1. Small pieces of wood and twigs used to start a fire.
   Go and collect some kindling.
2. 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 […]

adj

1. Illuminated, lit.
   The morning o'er the gilded grove Bright on the kindling landscape fell, I sought her where she oft did rove In want and sorrow's lonely cell; 1827, Lydia Sigourney, Poems, "Ye shall seek me in the Morning, but I shall not be,", page 52

verb

1. present participle and gerund of kindle
   Despite the damp wood, he had no trouble kindling a fire.