Definition of ash
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\
From the M-W Editors
Illustration of ash
Origin and Etymology of ash
Middle English asshe, from Old English æsc; akin to Old High German ask ash, Latin ornus mountain ash
First Known Use: before 12th century
ash
Definition of ash
1 : something that symbolizes grief, repentance, or humiliation
2a : the solid residue left when combustible material is thoroughly burned or is oxidized by chemical meansb : 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
5 ashes plural : ruins
Origin and Etymology of ash
Middle English asshe, from Old English asce — more at arid
First Known Use: before 12th century
ash
Definition of ash
transitive verb
: to convert into ash
Circa 1894
First Known Use of ash
circa 1894
ASH Defined for Kids
Definition of ash for Students
: a tree that has winged seeds, bark with grooves, and hard strong wood
Definition of ash for Students
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
Medical Dictionary
ash
playMedical Definition of ash
1: the solid residue left when combustible material is thoroughly burned or is oxidized by chemical means
2ashes plural : the remains of the dead human body after cremation or disintegration
Learn More about ash
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See words that rhyme with ash Spanish Central: Translation of ash Nglish: Translation of ash for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ash for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ash
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