smoke
UK: sməʊk | US: smoʊk
n. a visible suspension of carbon particles in air, produced by combustion
n. an act or instance of smoking tobacco or other substances
vt. to inhale and exhale the fumes of burning tobacco or other substances
vi. to emit smoke or vapor
The word "smoke" traces back to Old English smoca, meaning "smoke, vapor," derived from Proto-Germanic smuk- (related to burning or emitting fumes). This root is shared with other Germanic languages, such as Old Norse smjúga ("to creep through smoke") and Dutch smook. The silent "e" in Modern English is a vestige of Middle English spelling conventions. The word has retained its core meaning of "combustion fumes" while expanding to include the act of smoking tobacco.
The chimney released thick black smoke into the sky.
He stepped outside to smoke a cigarette.
The fire caused the entire building to fill with smoke.
Smoking is prohibited in this area.
The machine started to smoke after overheating.