Char Meaning
Char Definition & Usage
Char refers to the remains of something that has been burned, especially when it is partially burnt and remains as blackened fragments.
Examples
- "The logs in the fire pit had turned to char by morning."
- "The old documents were reduced to char after the fire."
- "She could smell the char of the burned toast in the air."
- "After the wildfire, all that was left in the forest was char and ash."
- "The charcoal briquettes had been burned down to char and were no longer useful."
To char something means to partially burn it, typically by subjecting it to heat or fire.
Examples
- "He accidentally charred the steak when it was left on the grill too long."
- "The edges of the paper were charred from being too close to the flame."
- "The chef charred the peppers before chopping them for the salsa."
- "Be careful not to char the wood while roasting marshmallows."
- "The edges of the wooden board were charred black after being left in the fire."
In a business context, 'char' is a short form of the word 'charwoman,' referring to a woman employed to do cleaning and household chores.
Examples
- "The char cleaned the office every evening before closing time."
- "The building has hired a new char to take care of the daily tidying."
- "She worked as a char in several homes before starting her own cleaning service."
- "The char was responsible for emptying the trash and sweeping the floors."
- "The office building contracts a char service to keep the premises clean."
Cultural Context
The word 'char' originates from Middle English and can be traced back to Old French, referring to 'charring' or the burning process. It has historical uses in both everyday language and specific technical contexts, such as cooking and industrial processes.
The Firekeeper's Secret
Story
The Firekeeper's Secret
Maya stood by the fire, her eyes reflecting the orange glow of the embers. The night was calm, save for the occasional crackle of burning wood. She had always loved watching a fire burn, seeing the transformation of solid wood into something less substantial, a mixture of light and char. She had learned to appreciate how the charred edges of the logs, so blackened and rough, could symbolize both destruction and renewal. As she stoked the fire, she remembered her grandmother’s words: 'The char is the mark of something well-lived, something that has been through heat and come out stronger.' Later that evening, as the fire burned low, Maya went inside to check on the roast. The aroma was unmistakable—a perfect char on the outside, tender and juicy within. The charring was intentional, a technique her grandmother had taught her. 'It’s the way to keep the juices in,' she'd said, 'without overcooking it.' Maya took a seat at the table, and her friend Jake admired the meal. 'You know, Maya,' he said, 'this roast has the best char I’ve ever tasted.' 'It’s all about balance,' Maya replied, cutting into the meat. 'You don’t want it to be too charred, but just enough to give it flavor.' The evening passed with laughter and stories, and as Maya looked at the embers, she realized that the char was no longer just a mark of burning—it was a reminder of everything that could be forged in fire. From the charred wood in the fire pit to the meal they had enjoyed, she saw it all as a symbol of transformation, of survival through adversity.
Related Words
