Sear definition

(1) (used especially of vegetation) having lost all moisture

"Dried-up grass"

"The desert was edged with sere vegetation"

"Shriveled leaves on the unwatered seedlings"

"Withered vines"

(2) Cause to wither or parch from exposure to heat

"The sun parched the earth"

(3) Make very hot and dry

"The heat scorched the countryside"

(4) Burn slightly and superficially so as to affect color

"The cook blackened the chicken breast"

"The fire charred the ceiling above the mantelpiece"

"The flames scorched the ceiling"

(5) Become superficially burned

"My eyebrows singed when I bent over the flames"