tobacco

[ tuh-bak-oh ]

noun

, plural to·bac·cos, to·bac·coes.

1. any of several plants belonging to the genus Nicotiana, of the nightshade family, especially one of those species, as N. tabacum, whose leaves are prepared for smoking or chewing or as snuff.
2. the prepared leaves, as used in cigarettes, cigars, and pipes.
3. any product or products made from such leaves.
4. any of various similar plants of other genera.

tobacco

/ təˈbækəʊ /

noun

1. any of numerous solanaceous plants of the genus Nicotiana, having mildly narcotic properties, tapering hairy leaves, and tubular or funnel-shaped fragrant flowers. The species N. tabacum is cultivated as the chief source of commercial tobacco
2. the leaves of certain of these plants dried and prepared for snuff, chewing, or smoking

Derived Forms

• toˈbaccoless, adjective

Other Words From

• to·bacco·less adjective
• anti·to·bacco adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tobacco¹

1525–35; < Spanish tabaco, perhaps < Arawak: a pipe for smoking the plant, or roll of leaves smoked, or the plant

Word History and Origins

Origin of tobacco¹

C16: from Spanish tabaco, perhaps from Taino: leaves rolled for smoking, assumed by the Spaniards to be the name of the plant

Example Sentences

If the Senate approves his appointment, Makary will head an agency of more than 18,000 employees that is responsible for regulating more than $2.5 trillion in food, drugs, medical devices, and tobacco products.

From Science Magazine

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said gradually increasing the age people can buy tobacco would create "the first smoke-free generation and eventually a smoke-free nation".

From BBC

“Our people-powered efforts were not quite enough to overcome millions of dollars in outside spending on lies from the oil and tobacco industry and their allies.“

From Los Angeles Times

Some ESG funds exclude oil companies or tobacco and weapons manufacturers.

From Salon

Volkow’s study adds to a growing body of scientific and anecdotal evidence that GLP-1 medications can reduce cravings among people with substance use disorders, including alcohol, tobacco, opioids, cannabis and stimulants.

From Salon

Related Words

• cigarette
• crop
• smoking