Definition

Noun: A cigarette burn is a small, circular mark or scar left on a surface when a lit cigarette is pressed against it or allowed to smolder on it. It is typically characterized by a darkened, often charred spot, sometimes with a raised edge.

Examples of Usage

Advanced Usage

• Forensic Context: In investigations, a cigarette burn can sometimes be used as trace evidence or to indicate a person's presence or a specific action at a location.
  • The pattern of the cigarette burn on the fabric matched the brand found at the scene.
• Metaphorical Use: The term can be used metaphorically to describe a small, localized, and damaging flaw or blemish.
  • The scandal left a cigarette burn on the politician's otherwise clean reputation.

Variants and Related Words

• Burn mark (n): A more general term for any mark caused by burning.
• Scorch mark (n): A mark caused by superficial burning that discolors but does not necessarily char the material.

Synonyms

• Burn
• Scorch mark
• Char mark

Related Phrases

• To have a cigarette burn: Describes an object bearing such a mark.
  • Every ashtray in the old bar seemed to have a cigarette burn on its rim.
• To put a cigarette burn in/on something: Describes the action of causing the mark.
  • He accidentally put a cigarette burn in the new car's upholstery.

Related Idioms

• (Like) a cigarette burn on silk: An idiom emphasizing something ugly, damaging, and irreparable on a beautiful or valuable thing.
  • The graffiti on the historic monument was like a cigarette burn on silk.

Noun

1. a burn mark left by a smoldering cigarette
   • a cigarette burn on the edge of the table