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cendre

ash, cinder

noun SAHN-druh Less Common
Animals & Nature Environment

Usage Note

Cendre most often appears in the plural les cendres when referring to the residue of a fire or cremation. The liturgical expression le mercredi des Cendres ('Ash Wednesday') shows its religious register. The fairy-tale name Cinderella is Cendrillon, literally 'little ash-girl'.

Examples

"Les cendres refroidissaient dans le foyer."

Natural Translation

The ashes were cooling in the fireplace.

Literal Translation

The ashes were cooling in the hearth.

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