ash

ash · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The powdery residue left after burning something.

  2. 2.

    **(Usually plural: ashes)** The remains of a cremated body.

  3. 3.

    A tree with silver-gray bark, compound leaves, and hard pale wood.

  4. 4.

    A pale gray color.

Forms

plural: ashes

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    rise from the ashes — Emerge renewed after destruction.
  • •
    turn to ash/ashes — Be completely destroyed.
  • •
    ash blonde — A pale, grayish blonde color.
  • •
    Ash Wednesday — The first day of Lent.

Related words

See also: ashes, burn, cinder, fire
Synonyms: cinders, remains, residue

Etymology

From Old English æsce (residue) and æsc (tree), both from Proto-Germanic roots. The tree sense may be related to the spear shafts made from its wood.