fume

Definition

A gas or vapour/vapor that is strong-smelling or dangerous to inhale.

Etymology

From Middle English fume, from Old French fum (“smoke, steam, vapour”), from Latin fūmus (“vapour, smoke”), from Proto-Indo-European *dʰuh₂mós (“smoke”), from *dʰewh₂- (“to smoke, raise dust”). Doublet of thymus and thymos. More at dun, dusk, dust.

Example Sentences

• "Don't stand around in there breathing the fumes while the adhesive cures."
• "the fumes of new-shorn hay"
• "Lead fume is a greyish powder, mainly comprising lead sulfate."