ash
UK[æʃ]US[æʃ]
n
the soft grey or black powder that is left after something, especially tobacco, wood, or coal, has burnt
n
a type of tree that has thin grey bark and hard wood, or the wood from this tree
Etymology
The word 'ash' has a dual origin from two distinct Old English words that have converged in modern spelling. The first, referring to the residue of fire, descends from Old English æsce or asce, which is of Germanic origin and related to Dutch as and German Asche. The second, referring to the tree, comes from Old English æsc, also of Germanic origin, related to Dutch es and German Esche. Both Old English forms can be traced back to a common Proto-Indo-European root, likely h₂ehₓs-, meaning "to burn" or "glowing ashes," which interestingly connects the concept of the burning material to the tree, perhaps due to the use of its wood for fuel or the color of its bark.
Analysis
The word 'ash' is a simplex word of Old English origin. It is not productively composed of smaller, separable morphemes in modern English.
Examples
He tapped the ash from his cigar into the tray.
The forest was primarily composed of oak and ash trees.
Only the cold ash remained where the bonfire had been.