Ashes: meaning, definitions and examples

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ashes

[ ˈæʃɪz ]

^{Context #1}

in a fireplace

The residue that remains after something is burned. Ashes typically consist of carbon, minerals, and other impurities.

Synonyms

cinders, remains, residue

Examples of usage

The ashes in the fireplace needed to be cleaned out before starting a new fire.
She watched as the ashes from the campfire drifted up into the sky.

^{Context #2}

after a cremation

The powdery material that remains after a body has been cremated. Ashes are often kept in urns as a way to memorialize the deceased.

Synonyms

cremains, dust, remains

Examples of usage

The family scattered the ashes of their loved one in the ocean.
The ashes were buried in a peaceful garden.

^{Context #3}

destroy or reduce to ashes

To burn something completely until it turns into ash. Can also mean to destroy something completely.

Synonyms

burn, destroy, incinerate

Examples of usage

The fire quickly ashed the documents.
The volcanic eruption ashed the entire village.

Translations

Translations of the word "ashes" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cinzas

🇮🇳 राख

🇩🇪 Asche

🇮🇩 abu

🇺🇦 попіл

🇵🇱 popiół

🇯🇵 灰 (はい)

🇫🇷 cendres

🇪🇸 cenizas

🇹🇷 kül

🇰🇷 재 (jae)

🇸🇦 رماد

🇨🇿 popel

🇸🇰 popol

🇨🇳 灰烬 (huī jìn)

🇸🇮 pepel

🇮🇸 aska

🇰🇿 күл

🇬🇪 ფერფლი (perpli)

🇦🇿 kül

🇲🇽 cenizas

Word origin

The word 'ashes' traces back to Old English 'æsce', which is related to Old High German 'asca'. The use of ashes in rituals, such as cremation and ash Wednesday, has been practiced for centuries. Ashes hold symbolic meanings of purification, renewal, and transformation.