SINCE 1828
ash
noun (1)
\ ˈash
\
\
Definition of ash
(Entry 1 of 3)
1
: any of a genus (Fraxinus) of trees of the olive family with pinnate leaves, thin furrowed bark, and gray branchlets
2
: the tough elastic wood of an ash
3
[ Old English æsc, name of the corresponding runic letter ]
: the ligature æ used in Old English and some phonetic alphabets to represent a low front vowel \a\
Definition of ash (Entry 2 of 3)
1
: something that symbolizes grief, repentance, or humiliation
2a
: the solid residue left when combustible material is thoroughly burned or is oxidized by chemical means
b
: fine particles of mineral matter from a volcanic vent
3
ashes plural
: the remains of the dead human body after cremation or disintegration
4
ashes plural
: deathly pallor
the lip of ashes and the cheek of flame— Lord Byron
ash
verb
ashed;
ashing;
ashes
Definition of ash (Entry 3 of 3)
1
: to convert into ash
2
: to remove ash residue from (something, such as a cigarette) usually by flicking or tapping
She ashed her cigarette onto a patch of dirt floor, then handed it to me.— Dominic Smith
Other Words from ash
Noun (2)
ashless
\ ˈash-ləs
\
adjective
\
adjective
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From the Editors at Merriam-Webster
11 Authors on Their One-Word Book Titles
11 Authors on Their One-Word Book Titles
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Time Traveler for ash
The first known use of ash was before the 12th century
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More Definitions for ash
ash
noun
\ ˈash
\
\
Kids Definition of ash
(Entry 1 of 2)
: a tree that has winged seeds, bark with grooves, and hard strong wood
ash
nounKids Definition of ash (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: the solid matter left when something is completely burned
cigarette ashes Wind blew the ash left by our campfire.
2
ashes plural
: the last remains of the dead human body
\ ˈash
\
\
Medical Definition of ash
1
: the solid residue left when combustible material is thoroughly burned or is oxidized by chemical means
2
ashes plural
: the remains of the dead human body after cremation or disintegration
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