noun
incineration
in-sin-uh-RAY-shun/ɪnˌsɪnəˈreɪʃn/
Destruction or disposal by burning to ashes.
The hospital uses incineration to dispose of contaminated medical waste.
Etymology
The pieces express a process of turning something into ashes. This names burning by its destructive result, rather than merely exposure to fire.
In context
incineration involves burning waste to generate energy typically in the form of heat or electricity
More examples
- The city sends some household trash for incineration.
- Confidential documents await incineration in a locked container.
- The plant controls air pollution from waste incineration.
Forms
incinerate verb — To destroy by burning to ashes.
incinerator noun — A furnace designed to burn waste.
Similar words
- burning
- A broader term that does not require reduction to ashes.
- cremation
- Specifically refers to burning a body after death.
- combustion
- Describes the burning process rather than disposal or destruction.