A tinder-like material made from fungal growths or other combustible substances, historically used to start fires; also bait for fishing.
From Latin 'esca' (food, bait, tinder). The Latin term was used for both food and fire-starting materials.
Before matches existed, people used esca—a spongy fungal growth or treated wood—to catch sparks from flint and start fires; it was so important that cultures across the world developed their own versions.
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