reek
[ reek ]
/ rik /
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noun
a strong, unpleasant smell.
vapor or steam.
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
to give off; emit; exude.
to expose to or treat with smoke.
QUIZZES
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Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT Origin of reek
before 900; (noun) Middle English rek(e), Old English rēc smoke; cognate with German rauch,Dutch rook,Old Norse reykr; (v.) Middle English reken to smoke, steam, Old English rēocan
OTHER WORDS FROM reek
reeker, nounreek·ing·ly, adverbreeky, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for reek
A reeky house and a girnin' wife, will lead a man a fashious life.
The Proverbs of Scotland|Alexander HislopDirty low reeky tans were set here and there amid a swarm of bairns and dogs.
The Men of the Moss-Hags|S. R. Crockett
British Dictionary definitions for reek
reek
/ (riːk) /
verb
(intr) to give off or emit a strong unpleasant odour; smell or stink
(intr often foll by of) to be permeated (by); be redolent (of)the letter reeks of subservience
(tr) to treat with smoke; fumigate
(tr) mainly dialect to give off or emit (smoke, fumes, vapour, etc)
noun
a strong offensive smell; stink
mainly dialect smoke or steam; vapour
Derived forms of reek
reeking, adjectivereekingly, adverbreeky, adjectiveWord Origin for reek
Old English rēocan; related to Old Frisian riāka to smoke, Old High German rouhhan, Old Norse rjūka to smoke, steam
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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