soot

[ soot, soot ]

noun

1. a black, carbonaceous substance produced during incomplete combustion of coal, wood, oil, etc., rising in fine particles and adhering to the sides of the chimney or pipe conveying the smoke: also conveyed in the atmosphere to other locations.

verb (used with object)

1. to mark, cover, or treat with soot.

soot

/ sʊt /

noun

1. finely divided carbon deposited from flames during the incomplete combustion of organic substances such as coal

verb

1. tr to cover with soot

soot

/ st /

1. A black, powdery substance that consists mainly of carbon and is formed through the incomplete combustion of wood, coal, diesel oil, or other materials. Because it absorbs energy from sunlight rather than reflecting it, soot is believed to be a cause of global warming, especially when it settles on snow and ice, reducing their reflectivity. Soot particles in the air are a contributing factor in respiratory diseases.

Other Words From

• sootless adjective
• sootlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of soot¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English sōt; cognate with Old Norse sōt

Word History and Origins

Origin of soot¹

Old English sōt; related to Old Norse, Middle Low German sōt, Lithuanian sódis, Old Slavonic sažda, Old Irish sūide

Example Sentences

Ornelas, who rents a house in the Boggs Tract neighborhood, says she has to wear a mask just to work outside, or to clean the soot off her car every few days.

From Los Angeles Times

It is not just a renovation after the fire, but a complete overhaul including removing decades of crud and soot built up since the last restoration.

From BBC

In recent years, complaints of acrid odors, fiery accidents, soot and harmful emissions have gained new resonance as public officials become more sensitive to accusations of environmental damage.

From Los Angeles Times

During his previous sentencing hearing, the court was told how Pateman, who had fled the scene on his bike, was found at his mother's house, where he had gone to bed, covered in soot.

From BBC

While the refinery is a sizable employer, with about 600 employees and 300 contractors operating the site, there have been complaints in recent years of acrid odors, soot and harmful emissions.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• grime
• grit
• residue
• sediment
• smoke
• smudge