Incinerated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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incinerated

[ษชnหˆsษชnษ™reษชtษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

burn completely

Incinerated refers to the process of burning something completely, often to ashes. This term is commonly used in waste management where materials are disposed of by combustion at high temperatures. It can also apply to the destruction of documents or other items that need to be eliminated to prevent access. Incineration is often used in medical facilities for disposing of hazardous waste and in various industries to minimize landfill use.

Synonyms

burned, destroyed, eliminated, obliterated.

Examples of usage

  • The waste was incinerated at the facility.
  • He incinerated his old documents to protect his information.
  • Medical waste needs to be incinerated properly.
  • The forest fire incinerated thousands of acres.
  • The evidence was incinerated to ensure no trace was left.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • Incineration is often used as a waste management method to reduce the volume of materials and eliminate harmful substances.
  • The process can also generate electricity when combined with energy recovery technologies.

Environment

  • While effective at waste reduction, incineration can produce harmful emissions if not properly managed.
  • Modern incineration facilities have advanced filters to minimize air pollution and comply with environmental regulations.

Cultural References

  • In many cultures, cremation is a form of incineration used in funerary practices, turning bodies into ashes as a sign of respect and return to nature.
  • Books and films sometimes depict incineration in dramatic scenes where evidence is destroyed, heightening tension.

Health and Safety

  • Improper incineration can lead to the release of dioxins, which are highly toxic and can cause health problems in humans and wildlife.
  • Safety measures are critical in incineration facilities to protect workers and nearby communities.

Origin of 'incinerated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'incinerare', meaning 'to turn to ash'.
  • It combines โ€˜in-โ€™ (into) and โ€˜cinerโ€™ (ash), indicating the process of converting something into ash.

The term 'incinerate' originates from the Latin word 'incinerare,' which means 'to reduce to ashes.' 'In-' in Latin is a prefix meaning 'in' or 'into,' and 'cinerare' comes from 'cineris,' meaning 'ashes.' The word made its way into English in the early 19th century, particularly gaining relevance with the rise of industrial waste management practices. The advent of incineration technology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries reflected the need for efficient ways to handle increasing amounts of waste in urban areas. Over time, incineration has evolved to include advanced methods that minimize emissions and maximize energy recovery, making the term and its applications increasingly significant in environmental discussions.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,935, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.