Effume

/ɪˈfjuːm/ verb

Definition

To treat with smoke or fumes; to subject to fumigation or expose to vapor.

Etymology

From Latin 'effumare,' combining 'ef-' (out) and 'fumare' (to smoke). This is a technical or archaic term for the process of applying smoke to something for medicinal or pest-control purposes.

Kelly Says

Ancient peoples used smoke for everything from preserving meat to warding off disease, and 'effume' is the technical word for that ancient practice—it's what they literally did when they 'smoked out' insects or spirits.

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