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

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 Word Forms

• sootless adjective
• sootlike 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

The plan is facing lawsuits from homeowners in Altadena, Pacific Palisades and nearby communities who allege the plan is refusing to properly test and remediate homes that were infiltrated by smoke, soot and ash.

From Los Angeles Times

In other instances, candle wax has damaged some of the internal stones, along with burnt incense sticks leaving thick soot which has blackened some stones beyond cleaning.

From BBC

Blackened by soot, the gutted and derelict remains of South Africa's infamous Usindiso building in central Johannesburg are an unintentional memorial to the 76 people who died here in a devastating fire two years ago.

From BBC

The Eames House was saved, but it was covered in soot and sustained a substantial amount of smoke damage.

From Los Angeles Times

The roof was damaged, soot covered the floors and everything smelled of smoke, but the house was still there.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ash 
• grit 
• gunk 
• residue 
• sediment 
• smoke