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ash

noun (1)
\ ˈash How to pronounce ash (audio) \

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\

ash

noun (2), often attributive

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
5 ashes plural : ruins

ash

verb
ashed; ashing; ashes

Definition of ash (Entry 3 of 3)

transitive verb

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

Illustration of ash

Illustration of ash

Noun (1)

1ash 1

In the meaning defined above

Other Words from ash

Noun (2)

ashless \ ˈash-​lÉ™s How to pronounce ashless (audio) \ adjective

First Known Use of ash

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for ash

Noun (1)

Middle English asshe, from Old English æsc; akin to Old High German ask ash, Latin ornus mountain ash

Noun (2)

Middle English asshe, from Old English asce — more at arid

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More Definitions for ash

ash

noun
\ ˈash How to pronounce ash (audio) \

Kids Definition of ash

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a tree that has winged seeds, bark with grooves, and hard strong wood

ash

noun

Kids 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

ash

noun, often attributive
\ ˈash How to pronounce ash (audio) \

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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More from Merriam-Webster on ash

Rhyming Dictionary: 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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