Meaning & Definition of word "Ash"

Ash

/æʃ/

noun:

  • 1. The powdery residue left after the combustion of a substance.
    • Example: After the campfire burned out, we were left with a pile of ash.
  • 2. The remains of a dead body or animal, often used in cremation.
    • Example: The family scattered the ashes of their loved one at sea.
  • 3. A grey or black powdery substance that is produced when something is burned.
    • Example: The ash from the wood stove accumulated in the bin over the winter.
  • 4. The residue from burning plant material, which often fertilizes the soil.
    • Example: Farmers sometimes use wood ash to enrich the soil.

verb:

  • 1. To reduce to ashes; to destroy completely by fire.
    • Example: The fire ashed the entire forest, leaving nothing but charred trees.

Etymology

Old English æsce, related to Old Norse askr, and Proto-Germanic *askō.

Common Phrases and Expressions

ashes to ashes:

A phrase signifying the cycle of life and death.

watching the world burn:

Referring to observing chaos or destruction without intervening.

Related Words

cinders:

Small pieces of partly burned coal or wood.

remains:

What is left after something has been destroyed or removed.

cremation:

The disposal of a dead person's body by fire.

Slang Meanings of ash

Meaning: Literal meaning for certain substances that burn to ash in slang contexts.

Example Sentence: That joint turned to ash real quick.

Meaning: Used sometimes in gaming or memes to reference destruction.

Example Sentence: I left that boss fight in ashes.