ember
UK[ˈembə]US[ˈembər]
n
A small piece of glowing coal or wood in a dying fire.
Etymology
The word 'ember' descends from the Old English 'æmerge', a term for ashes or a glowing cinder. It is cognate with the Old Norse 'eimyrja', a compound of 'eimr' (vapor, steam) and 'yrja' (embers), pointing to a Proto-Germanic association with the smoldering, smoky remains of a fire. Over time, the meaning narrowed from general ashes to specifically denote the small, still-glowing fragments within dying ashes. This evolution captures the specific phase of a fire's lifecycle, transitioning from active flame to residual heat.
Analysis
This word is a simplex form. It originates from the Old English word 'æmerge' or 'æmyrge', which is related to the Old Norse 'eimyrja'. Its ultimate origin is from a Proto-Germanic root related to burning or ashes.
Examples
He stirred the ashes, hoping to find a live ember to restart the fire.
The last embers of the campfire cast a faint orange glow on their faces.
Her anger had faded to a dull ember, no longer a raging flame.