Cinder Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈsɪndər/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A small piece of burning or charred material, such as wood or coal, that has broken off from a larger flame, often found in a fireplace or hearth.

Examples

• The fire crackled and sparked, sending cinders flying onto the hearth.
• She swept up the cinders from the fireplace and threw them away.

Synonyms

• Ember
• Ash

Antonyms

• Flame
• Spark

Additional Information

Cinders can be hazardous if not properly disposed of, as they can ignite flammable materials. They are often used in gardening as a natural fertilizer. In some cultures, cinders are believed to have symbolic significance, representing transformation and renewal.

In industrial settings, cinders are sometimes used as a byproduct in the production of cement or concrete. They can also be used as an abrasive material in cleaning or polishing surfaces.

Etymology

The word “cinder” originates from the Old English word “cinder”, which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word “*kandiz”, meaning “to burn”. This is also related to the Proto-Indo-European root “*gende-“, meaning “to burn” or “to kindle”.”

Usage Notes

Cinders are often used metaphorically to describe something that has been burned or destroyed. In a figurative sense, cinders can represent the remnants of a once-passionate relationship or a destroyed dream.

Cultural References

Cinders have appeared in various forms of literature and art, such as in Cinderella’s iconic glass slipper or in the title of Sylvia Plath’s novel “The Bell Jar”.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Rise from the ashes (or cinders)
• Cinder blocks (a type of building material)

Related Words or Phrases

• Ashes
• Embers
• Soot

Collocations

• Cinder and smoke
• Cinder blocks and mortar
• Cinder and dust

Frequency of Use

Cinders are moderately used in everyday conversation, often in reference to fireplaces or industrial contexts.

Common Misspellings

• Cintr
• Sinder
• Synder