ash1
¦ noun
1. the powdery residue left after the burning of a substance.
(ashes) the remains of a human body after cremation or burning.
(in chemical analysis) the mineral component of an organic substance (indicated by the residue left after burning).
2. (the Ashes) a cricket trophy awarded for a Test match series between England and Australia. [from a mock obituary notice referring to the symbolical remains of English cricket.]
Phrases
turn to ashes in one's mouth become bitterly disappointing or worthless.
rise from the ashes be renewed after destruction.
Derivatives
ashy adjective
Origin
OE ?sce, aexe, of Gmc origin.
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ash2
¦ noun
1. a tree with compound leaves, winged fruits, and hard pale wood. [Genus Fraxinus: many species.]
used in names of other trees, e.g. mountain ash.
2. an Old English runic letter, [s]3ZCCGQGCV2_DF010BDD.bmp[/s].
the symbol . or ?, used in the Roman alphabet in place of the runic letter and as a phonetic symbol. See also
?.
Origin
OE ?sc, of Gmc origin.