Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈsɪndər/

Definitions

• Burnt or partly burnt material, such as coal or wood, that remains after the combustion process.
• A small, glowing piece of wood or coal in a fire.
• Any remnant or residue left after something has been burned.

Usage Examples

• The fire had died down, leaving only glowing cinders in the fireplace.
• The campfire's cinders provided warmth well into the night.
• Be careful not to step on the cinders, as they might still be hot.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English "cinder," from Old English "cinder" meaning "a small particle of burning matter." The word has roots in Proto-Germanic *kindra, meaning "a glowing fragment." Related to the word "kindling."

Synonyms

• Ashes
• Embers
• Residue
• Scoria

Antonyms

• Flame
• Fire
• Fuel

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The word "cinder" is typically pronounced consistently in most regions, with slight variations in accent, especially in non-native English-speaking regions.

Historical Usage

Historically, the word "cinder" referred not just to small fragments of burning matter but also to the process of burning itself, especially during the early days of coal and wood-burning for heat and industry.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, cinders or ashes hold symbolic significance. For instance, in some traditions, ashes from a sacred fire are used in rituals to purify or bless individuals or objects. The remnants of a fire are often seen as a powerful symbol of transformation.

More Information

The word "cinder" has persisted in language because of its practical application in describing the residual material left after combustion. Beyond its literal meaning, "cinder" also has metaphorical uses, describing something that remains after an intense, often destructive, process. The term is often used in literature and poetry to evoke images of fading fires or the remains of past events, symbolizing loss, decay, or transformation.