soot
|soot|
A2
/sʊt/
black powder from smoke
Etymology
Etymology Information
'soot' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'sōt'/'sūt', where it meant 'soot, sootiness'.
Historical Evolution
'soot' changed from Old English 'sōt'/'sūt' into Middle English forms such as 'sot'/'soot' and eventually became the modern English word 'soot'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'black powdery residue from burning', and over time it has largely retained that meaning in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a black, powdery or flaky substance consisting largely of amorphous carbon, produced by the incomplete burning of organic matter (for example wood, coal, oil).
The chimney was covered in soot.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/09 23:47