cinder
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈsɪndər/
KK: /ˈsɪndər/
noun
Definition
A small piece of burned material that is not completely turned to ash and can still burn without flames.
Example
After the campfire went out, only a few cinders remained in the fire pit.
Conversation
I found some cinder in the fireplace while cleaning.
Oh really? I didn't think there would be any left after all this time.
Yeah, it was mostly just cinder and ash, but it reminded me of our camping trip.
That was fun! We should definitely go again and make a fire.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
ash
scoria
residue
Antonyms
fuel
combustible
material
transitive verb
Definition
To burn something until it turns into small pieces of ash or remains.
Example
The fire cindered the old wooden chair, leaving only ashes behind.
Tense Forms
Past: cindered
Past Participle: cindered
Conversation
Did you hear about that fire last night?
Yeah, it was terrible! They said it cindered a whole block.
I can't believe it caused so much damage.
Root Explanation
Cinder → The word 'cinder' originates from Old English 'cynde', meaning a burning or glowing fragment of material, particularly from wood or coal. It refers to the remnants of something that has burned.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English word for a burning fragment — that's why 'cinder' refers to the remains of something that has been burned.
Visually Confused Words
cider
encinder
cylinder
winder
tinder
sinder
pinder
minder