overburn

verb

over·​burn ˌō-vər-ˈbərn How to pronounce overburn (audio)
overburned or overburnt ˌō-vər-ˈbərnt How to pronounce overburn (audio) ; overburning

transitive verb

: to burn (something, such as clay) too long or at a higher than normal temperature
Some of the bricks were excessively dark, he explained, a sign that they had been overburned in the kiln.Samuel C. Florman
… this type of glaze will craze when overburned sufficiently …H. H. Sortwell

Examples of overburn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Always keep burning candles away from drafts, vents, fans or air currents, and don’t overburn! Tiffany Dodson, Harper's BAZAAR, 27 Dec. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overburn was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near overburn

Cite this Entry

“Overburn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overburn. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!