The visible mixture of gases and tiny particles that rises when something burns. It can also refer to the act of inhaling and exhaling tobacco or other substances.
“Smoke” comes from Old English “smoca,” related to German “Schmauch,” all from a root about exhaled or rising fumes. The idea is of something that drifts upward from burning material. English kept both the substance and the action senses.
“Smoke” blurs the line between thing and action—you can see smoke and also “have a smoke.” Across cultures, smoke has been a signal, a ritual tool, a danger sign, and a pleasure. One short word covers everything from forest fires to incense to cigarettes.
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