Dictionary Definition
cinder n : a fragment of incombustible matter
left after a wood or coal or charcoal fire [syn: clinker]
User Contributed Dictionary
English
Pronunciation
- Rhymes: -ɪndə(r)
Noun
Derived terms
Translations
Verb
- to reduce something to cinders
See also
Extensive Definition
A cinder is a pyroclastic
material (lava or magma). Cinders are either
intrusive igneous
(magma cooled inside the earth) or extrusive igneous (lava cooled
outside of the earth). Cinders are similar to pumice, which has so many
cavities and is such low-density that it can float on water.
Pumice or
cinders are used in soap,
xeriscaping,
mulch, and rock
gardens.
Characteristics
The following geologic characteristics define a cinder:- Uncemented
- Vitric
- Having bubble-like cavities, called vesicles
- Measuring not less than 2.0 millimeters in at least one dimension
- Apparent specific gravity between 1.0 and 2.0
Uses
Cinders have been used on track surfaces and roads to provide additional traction in winter conditions. Cinders are also popularly employed as inorganic mulch in xeriscaping, because of excellent drainage properties and resistance to erosion. In this context, they are referred to frequently with the synonym "lava rock".Chemistry
Cinder is composed of 80% Group 4A elements, 18% chalcogens, and less than 2% rare earth elements.See also
cinder in Spanish: Ceniza
cinder in Russian: Гарь
Synonyms, Antonyms and Related Words
alluvion, alluvium, ash, ashes, brand, burning ember, calx, carbon, charcoal, clinker, coal, coke, coom, deposition, deposits, diluvium, draff, dregs, dross, ember, feces, firebrand, froth, fume, grounds, lava, lees, live coal, loess, moraine, offscum, precipitate, precipitation, reek, scoria, scum, sediment, settlings, silt, sinter, slag, smoke, smudge, smut, soot, sublimate, sullage