noun / verb
smudge
Smoke deliberately produced for an intended effect.
She burns dried herbs to smudge the room before the ceremony.
Etymology
The smoke noun belongs with an older verb for smoky burning. Its deeper history and relationship to the dirty-mark word are uncertain.
More examples
- A smudge from the small fire helps keep mosquitoes away.
- They smudge the ceremonial space with smoke from burning herbs.
- The breeze carries the smudge away, and the mosquitoes return.
Forms
smudge · smudges · smudged · smudging
Similar words
- smoke
- Names the airborne product of burning, regardless of its purpose.
- fumigate
- Treats an area with fumes, usually to eliminate pests.