cigarette burn

Học thuật
Thân thiện
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