cinereous

[ si-neer-ee-uhs ]

adjective

1. in the state of or reduced to ashes:

   cinereous bodies.

2. resembling ashes.
3. ashen; ash-colored; grayish:

   a cinereous bird.

cinereous

/ ˌsɪnəˈrɪʃəs; sɪˈnɪərɪəs /

adjective

1. of a greyish colour
2. resembling or consisting of ashes

Word History and Origins

Origin of cinereous¹

1655–65; < Latin cinereus, equivalent to ciner- (stem of cinis ) ashes + -eus -eous

Word History and Origins

Origin of cinereous¹

C17: from Latin cinereus, from cinis ashes

Example Sentences

Their colour is generally of a cinereous hue, but a few were noticed that were variegated black and white.

From Project Gutenberg

The under wings are without any spots, but are bordered behind by a cinereous thread.

From Project Gutenberg

In the arrangement of the cinereous lines, it presents a general resemblance to B. fuscus saur.

From Project Gutenberg

Alcorn found the cinereous shrew at most of his trapping stations.

From Project Gutenberg

Beneath the long hairs, in all parts, there is a thick coat of cinereous wool of exquisite fineness.

From Project Gutenberg