Smoke - Wikipedia-style Article
Smoke
Definition
The term "smoke" describes the visible vapor or gases released when a substance burns, or the act of inhaling and exhaling the fumes of a substance.
Parts of Speech
Pronunciation
American English
- IPA Pronunciation: /smoʊk/
- Respelling: smohk
British English
- IPA Pronunciation: /sməʊk/
- Respelling: smohk
Etymology
The word "smoke" originates from Old English "smoca," meaning "fumes or vapor from burning." It is related to Old Norse "smjúga," meaning "to creep through or penetrate," reflecting its pervasive nature.
Derivatives
- Smoky (adjective)
- Smoker (noun)
- Smoking (noun, verb)
- Smoke-free (adjective)
- Smokehouse (noun)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage
The term "smoke" can refer to the result of combustion or the act of smoking. For example, "The chimney released thick smoke" (noun) or "He likes to smoke a cigar after dinner" (verb).
Related Terms
- Fire: Combustion that produces heat and light, often accompanied by smoke.
- Burn: The process of combustion that generates smoke and heat.
- Pollution: Contaminants in the air, often including smoke.
Detailed Definitions
Noun
- Visible vapor from combustion: The gaseous byproduct of burning substances.
- Example: "The campfire produced a lot of smoke that filled the air."
- A cloud or mass resembling smoke: Refers to anything that looks like or behaves like smoke.
- Example: "A smoke of dust rose from the explosion."
Verb
- To inhale and exhale fumes from burning substances: Typically refers to the act of smoking tobacco or other materials.
- Example: "He used to smoke but quit last year."
- To emit or release smoke: Refers to objects or substances producing smoke.
- Example: "The factory chimney smoked all day long."