Ash: meaning, definitions and examples

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ash

[æʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

fire-related

The powdery residue left after the combustion of a substance.

Synonyms

cinders, dust, soot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ash	Ash in the context of cigarettes refers to the gray or black residue that forms as a cigarette burns. This word is typically used when talking about smoking. He flicked the ash from his cigarette into the ashtray
dust	Dust refers to tiny particles of matter in general, not necessarily from burning. It can accumulate on surfaces in homes or in the air, often causing allergies. She wiped the dust off the bookshelf with a damp cloth
soot	Soot is the black, powdery substance produced by incomplete combustion, often associated with fossil fuels. It tends to have negative connotations due to its association with pollution and respiratory issues. After years of burning coal, the chimney was coated with thick layers of soot
cinders	Cinders are partially or nearly burned pieces of coal or wood that are left after a fire. They are not fully transformed into ash and can still be hot and glowing. The cinders in the fireplace were still glowing hours after the fire went out

Examples of usage

The fireplace was covered in ash after a long night of burning wood.
The volcanic eruption left a thick layer of ash on the nearby town.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

color-related

A pale gray color.

Synonyms

charcoal, gray, silver.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ash	In American English, 'ash' can also refer to the remains left after a fire, similar to the first 'ash' entry. The fireplace was filled with ash after the logs had burned overnight. The ash from the volcano spread across the village, covering everything in a dark gray layer.
gray	Gray is a neutral color that is a mix of black and white. It describes anything from a light to a dark shade of gray. The sky was overcast with gray clouds, suggesting an impending storm. His hair was turning gray with age, giving him a more distinguished look.
silver	Silver refers to the shiny, metallic color of the precious metal. It can also describe anything with a gleaming, metal-like finish or a bright gray color. She wore a necklace made of silver that glimmered in the sunlight. The car was painted in a sleek silver color, making it look futuristic.
charcoal	Charcoal is used to describe the black, brittle substance obtained from burning wood in the absence of air. It can also be used to describe a dark gray to black color. We used charcoal to grill the steaks at the barbecue. She wore a charcoal dress that contrasted beautifully with her silver jewelry.

Examples of usage

She painted her room in a soothing shade of ash.
The sky turned ash gray as the storm approached.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

fire-related

To reduce something to ash by burning.

Synonyms

burn, incinerate, scorch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ash	Remains of burned material, often used in the context of fireplaces, cigarettes, or volcanic eruptions. The fire left only ash behind. Cigarette ash fell onto the carpet.
burn	To destroy or damage something with fire. It's a general term used for the process of combustion. Be careful not to burn your hand on the stove. He burned the documents in the fireplace.
incinerate	To burn something completely to ashes, often used in the context of waste disposal or in a formal setting. The hospital incinerates medical waste to prevent contamination. They incinerated confidential papers to maintain security.
scorch	To burn slightly, often used in the context of cooking or describing slight damage from heat, frequently with a negative connotation. The sun can scorch your skin if you don’t wear sunscreen. She left the iron on the shirt too long and it scorched.

Examples of usage

The firefighters had to ash the remains of the building after the fire was extinguished.
The ritual required participants to ash their offerings in the sacred fire.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'ash' comes from the Old English 'æsc', which referred to the ash tree and also to the residue from burning.
In many ancient languages, the word for ash stems from a root meaning 'to burn,' indicating its close ties to fire.
The use of the term for ash has been found in texts dating back over a thousand years.

Cultural Significance

In some cultures, ash is used in rituals, representing purification or the cycle of life and death.
The ash of the sacred fire in Hinduism is known as 'Vibhuti' and is considered a symbol of divine energy.
During the Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico, ashes are believed to honor departed loved ones and guide their spirits.

Environmental Impact

Ash contains minerals that can enrich soil, making it beneficial for gardening and agriculture.
In some ecosystems, the ash produced by wildfires can stimulate new growth by clearing away old, dead vegetation.
Certain types of ash, especially from hard woods, have a high pH level and can help neutralize acidic soils in gardens.

Scientific Aspect

The composition of ash varies depending on what has burned, but it often contains carbon, minerals, and trace metals.
In chemistry, the process of burning and the resultant ash can be used to analyze organic material's composition.
Ash can also be a crucial aspect of studying combustion efficiency in fuels and materials in various scientific fields.

Art and Literature

The color 'ash' is often used in art to symbolize desolation or the aftermath of destruction.
Many poets and authors use ash imagery to convey themes of loss or transformation, such as after a great fire or conflict.
Ash is a recurring motif in various legends representing both the end of something and the potential for new beginnings.

Translations

Translations of the word "ash" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cinza

🇮🇳 राख (rākh)

🇩🇪 Asche

🇮🇩 abu

🇺🇦 попіл

🇵🇱 popiół

🇯🇵 灰 (はい, hai)

🇫🇷 cendre

🇪🇸 ceniza

🇹🇷 kül

🇰🇷 재 (jae)

🇸🇦 رماد (ramād)

🇨🇿 popel

🇸🇰 popol

🇨🇳 灰 (huī)

🇸🇮 pepel

🇮🇸 aska

🇰🇿 күл (kül)

🇬🇪 ფერფლი (perpli)

🇦🇿 kül

🇲🇽 ceniza

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,998, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4995 noon
4996 editorial
4997 defective
4998 ash
4999 bark
5000 arrange
5001 sickness
...