Incinerating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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incinerating

[ษชnหˆsษชnษ™หŒreษชtษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

waste disposal

Incinerating refers to the process of burning waste materials at high temperatures to reduce them to ash and gases. This method of waste management helps in significantly decreasing the volume of waste while also potentially generating energy in the process. Incineration is often used for hazardous waste and is performed in specialized facilities equipped to handle high-heat processes safely. However, it also raises environmental concerns, particularly regarding air pollution and the release of toxic compounds.

Synonyms

burning, combusting, destroying.

Examples of usage

  • The city is incinerating its waste to reduce landfill use.
  • Incinerating medical waste is crucial for environmental safety.
  • They are incinerating plastics to generate energy.
  • The incinerating facility operates under strict regulations.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • Incineration is often used in waste management to reduce the volume of waste and eliminate harmful materials.
  • The process can generate energy, which can be harnessed to produce electricity from the heat produced.

Environmental Impact

  • While it reduces waste volume, incineration can produce pollutants that contribute to air quality issues.
  • Modern incinerators are designed with advanced filters to minimize harmful emissions and protect the environment.

Cultural References

  • In literature and films, incineration is often depicted as a dramatic way to destroy evidence or characters.
  • The term has appeared in popular media, symbolizing swift destruction, as seen in scenes from dystopian narratives.

Public Health

  • Incineration is used in hospitals to dispose of medical waste safely, preventing hazardous materials from entering landfills.
  • Controlled incineration of certain materials can help stop the spread of diseases by sterilizing waste.

Origin of 'incinerating'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'incinerare', which means 'to turn into ash'.
  • This Latin term combines 'in-' (meaning 'in') and 'cineris' (meaning 'ash').

The term 'incinerate' originates from the Latin word 'cinerare', which means 'to reduce to ashes' (from 'cinis', meaning 'ash'). The concept of incineration as a means of waste disposal became significant during the late 19th century with the development of industrial facilities that could safely manage the burning of refuse. Early incinerators were designed mainly for urban waste management and operated without the advanced technology that exists today. As environmental awareness grew, incineration methods evolved, incorporating better filtration and emission control to address public health concerns. Today, incinerating waste is not only utilized for its volume-reducing benefits but also as a potential source of energy, hence becoming an integral part of waste management strategies in many modern cities.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,288, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.