An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A mass of tiny particles in the air that rises up from something burning.

Etymology (EN): M.E., O.E. smoca, related to smeocan “give off smoke;” cf. M.Du. smooc, Du. smook, M.H.G. smouch, Ger. Schmauch; PIE base *smeug(h)- “smoke” (cf. Arm. mux “smoke,” Gk. smukho “to burn in a smoldering fire,” O.Ir. much, Welsh mwg “smoke”).

Etymology (PE): Dud, from Mid.Pers. dût, dûd “smoke;” Av. dunman- “cloud,” duuan- “to fly;” cf. Skt. dhvan- “to smoke;” Hittite tuhhae- “to prouce smoke;” PIE base *dheu- “to blow, reel; smoke, dark.”