tobacco

American  

[tuh-bak-oh] / təˈbæk oʊ /

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.

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tobacco British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• antitobacco adjective
• tobaccoless adjective

Etymology

Origin of tobacco

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

Example Sentences

“I hear that Pinkerton fellow uses voodoo magic to get those criminals to talk,” said one old man, shooting a wad of tobacco juice into the street.

From Literature

“I never really thought when I was cutting tobacco in Augusta, Ky., that I would meet Paul, much less become friends with him,” Clooney says.

From Los Angeles Times

More than 40 percent of cancer deaths worldwide are associated with 44 modifiable risk factors, including tobacco use, poor diet, and high blood sugar.

From Science Daily

Core inflation, which strips out volatile energy, food, alcohol and tobacco prices, also slowed to 2.3 percent in December from 2.4 percent in November.

From Barron's

In Jaipur, you will find the most sublime examples of centuries-old architecture defaced by tobacco stains and jostling for space with a car mechanic's workshop.

From BBC

Related Words

• cigarette
• crop
• smoking