tobacco

[tuh-bak-oh]

noun

plural

tobaccos, tobaccoes 

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

Other Word Forms

• tobaccoless adjective
• antitobacco 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

Now, Kelley is preparing for possible cuts to programs to combat obesity, maintain community gardens, help seniors make better healthcare decisions and reduce the use of tobacco.

From Los Angeles Times

Zimbabwe is Africa's biggest producer of tobacco but some farmers believe the country's long-term future could lie in a very different crop - blueberries.

From BBC

Are men's cancers more aggressive, or is it that habits such as smoking and chewing tobacco drag down their outcomes?

From BBC

There was also no evidence that they had increased spending on things like drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

From BBC

While behind bars, he'd got in trouble for having a cell phone, art supplies and tobacco - which he'd hidden inside a religious book.

From BBC

Related Words

• cigarette 
• crop 
• smoking www.thesaurus.com