An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The powdery residue that remains after something is burnt. → ashen light.

Etymology (EN): M.E. a(i)sshe; O.E. asce, æsce; cf. Frisian esk, Dutch asch, O.N., O.H.G. aska, Ger. Asche; akin to Gk. azein “to dry up, parch,” L. arere “be dry,” → arid, Skt. asa- “ashes,” PIE root *as- “to burn, glow.”

Etymology (PE): Xâkestar, ultimately from Proto-Iranian *aika-âtar- literally “fire dust,” from *aika- (Pers. xâk “dust, earth,” → soil)

• *ātar- (Pers. âzar, âtaš, → fire); cf. Malâyeri xâkesar, Qasrâni xâksar.