rhizoverbBeta
DictionarysootBlack residue from burning
noun / verb

soot

SOOT/sʊt/

Black powdery carbon left by incomplete burning.

Loose soot from the lamp's blackened shade covers the white saucer.

Close-up of a small oil lamp beneath a smoke-blackened metal shade, with loose black soot brushed from the shade onto a white saucer.
Etymology
sootOld Englishsoot

Old English sōt named the same burning residue. Its deeper history evokes 'what settles,' an apt image for fine particles deposited after fuel burns.

In context

NBC News82:24
THE SMELL OF SMOKE AND THE RESIDUE OF SOOT FROM THE PENTAGON.
Special Report: America marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 attacks

More examples

  • The chimney sweep removes thick soot from the flue.
  • She wipes soot off her hands after cleaning the fireplace.
  • A smoky flame can soot up the lantern's glass.

Forms

soot · soots · sooted · sooting

sooty adjective — Covered with or blackened by soot.

Similar words

carbon black
Specifically manufactured carbon powder, often used as a pigment.
grime
Broader term for accumulated dirt, not necessarily from burning.