empyreuma

/ ˌɛmpɪˈruːmə /

noun

1. the smell and taste associated with burning vegetable and animal matter

Word History and Origins

Origin of empyreuma¹

C17: from Greek, from empureuein to set on fire

Example Sentences

Empyreuma, the smell arising from organic matter when subjected to the action of fire, but not enough to carbonize it entirely.

From Project Gutenberg

Empyreuma, em-pir-ū′ma, n. the burned smell and acrid taste which result when vegetable or animal substances are burned:—pl.

From Project Gutenberg

Its colour is yellow, and it smells and tastes a little of the empyreuma, occasioned by torrefying the Yelks.

From Project Gutenberg

The Edinburgh College directs—As much water only is to be employed as will prevent empyreuma during the distillation.

From Project Gutenberg