noun
cinder
SIN-der/ˈsɪndər/
A small porous fragment produced by intense heat.
A small black cinder lies beside the ashes of the extinguished campfire.
Etymology
Old English sinder meant iron slag or dross. French cendre, “ashes,” apparently helped shift the word toward the small burnt remnants left after a fire.
In context
They may burn me to the cinder, but I won't be a witch.
More examples
- The volcano scattered porous cinders across the slope.
- A glowing cinder fell from the fire.
- The path is surfaced with dark volcanic cinders.
Forms
cinder · cinders
Similar words
- ash
- Ash is generally fine powder; a cinder is a more solid porous fragment.