Like this site? Pledge support via Patreon!
Photo of a fire

Words about fire

Relating to fire, heat and burning.

Photo of glowing embers
Attribution-Sharealike

Eis forEmber

Embers are small pieces of wood or coal in a fire that are not actively burning but are still glowing and hot. Hot embers can be used to start a dying fire up again, or can set a house on fire if they fall out of a fireplace and land on flammable paper or fabric.
Photo of a forest fire
Attribution-Sharealike

Fis forFire

When something is burning, it is said to be on fire. Flames can be different colours depending on what is burning and how hot it is. Fire is very hot and bright, and people light fires in their houses to keep warm. When a fire is out of control it can be extremely dangerous, as the photo of a forest fire shows. When something burns it gives off gas and particles as smoke. It gives off heat because burning is an exothermic reaction, which means it creates heat as it happens. Some things like boiling water are the opposite, and need heat to happen.
Photo of fireworks
Attribution-Sharealike
Fireworks are a kind of explosion that is designed to explode into a specific pretty pattern and nice colours. At special events, there are usually big displays of lots of different fireworks.
Attribution-Sharealike

Fis forFlame

A flame is a small part of a fire. You typically see a flame burning on a candle or when you light a match.
Photo of a flare being lit
Attribution-Sharealike

Fis forFlare

In general, a flare is a sudden, bright light. A flare like in the picture is a signalling or safety device. It is a bright light that can be lit when needed, for example if you are on a boat and it gets wrecked and you need to signal for help. The light from the flare helps rescuers find you.

Iis forIgnite

You ignite something when you set it on fire. The picture is of the gas in a cigarette lighter igniting.
Photo of leaves being burnt
Attribution-Sharealike
You incinerate something if you burn it because you want to get rid of it. People often incinerate dry leaves, garden clippings, medical waste or other kinds of rubbish. Something that you put things inside to burn them is called an incinerator.
Photo of a man starting a fire
Attribution-Sharealike

Kis forKindle

You kindle a fire when you first start it. The word kindle can also be used to describe something else starting, for example "a love for her was kindled in him".
A matchbook is a different way to store matches than the more common matchbox. Matchbooks are essentially a folded over piece of cardboard with a rough strip on the outside for striking the matches on. The matches in the matchbook are all attached together in a row, and also attached to the inside of the matchbook. They are also made from cardboard, and must be torn off before they can be used.

Mis forMatchbox

A matchbox is a small box designed to hold matches. Matchboxes usually have a rough strip along one or two sides to light the matches with. When all the matches have run out, matchboxes are handy to keep other small items in.