The Jargon File (version 4.4.7, 29 Dec 2003):

burn a CD
 v.

    To write a software or document distribution on a CDR. Coined from the fact
    that a laser is used to inscribe the information by burning small pits in
    the medium, and from the fact that disk comes out of the drive warm to the
    touch. Writable CDs can be done on a normal desk-top machine with a
    suitable drive (so there is no protracted release cycle associated with
    making them) but each one takes a long time to make, so they are not
    appropriate for volume production. Writable CDs are suitable for software
    backups and for short-turnaround-time low-volume software distribution,
    such as sending a beta release version to a few selected field test sites.
    Compare cut a tape.