cinder
UK: ˈsɪndə | US: ˈsɪndər
n. a small piece of partly burned coal or wood that has stopped giving off flames but still has combustible matter in it
n. (plural) ashes or residue left after burning
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The word "cinder" traces back to Old English sinder, meaning "slag or dross from molten metal." It shares roots with Old High German sintar (dross) and Old Norse sindr (cinder), all referring to residual matter from fire or smelting. Over time, its meaning expanded to include partially burned coal or wood. The spelling shifted from sinder to cinder under the influence of French cendre (ash), though the core concept of "burned residue" remained consistent.
The fireplace was full of glowing cinders after the fire died down.
She swept the cinders from the hearth into a metal bucket.
The volcano spewed hot cinders into the air.
They used cinders to grit the icy path in winter.
Only a few cinders remained of the bonfire by morning.