- Fume
- Fume Fume (f[=u]m), n. [L. fumus; akin to Skr. dh[=u]ma smoke,
dh[=u] to shake, fan a flame, cf. Gr. qy`ein to sacrifice,
storm, rage, qy`mon, qy`mos, thyme, and perh. to E. dust: cf.
OF. fum smoke, F. fum['e]e. Cf. {Dust}, n., {Femerell},
{Thyme}.]
1. Exhalation; volatile matter (esp. noxious vapor or smoke)
ascending in a dense body; smoke; vapor; reek; as, the
fumes of tobacco.
[1913 Webster]
The fumes of new shorn hay. --T. Warton. [1913 Webster]
The fumes of undigested wine. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
2. Rage or excitement which deprives the mind of self-control; as, the fumes of passion. --South. [1913 Webster]
3. Anything vaporlike, unsubstantial, or airy; idle conceit; vain imagination. [1913 Webster]
A show of fumes and fancies. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
4. The incense of praise; inordinate flattery. [1913 Webster]
To smother him with fumes and eulogies. --Burton. [1913 Webster]
5. (Metal.) Solid material deposited by condensation of fumes; as, lead fume (a grayish powder chiefly lead sulphate). [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
{In a fume}, in ill temper, esp. from impatience. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.