Cigarettes

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Nicotine-filled paper cylinders that are ignited at one end, producing smoke to be inhaled Wrapped tobacco products crafted to deliver the active substance through combustion, typically used recreationally Rolled products containing shredded tobacco, designed for smoking, providing a similar effect of relaxation or stimulation to users
2. Thin rolls of processed tobacco encased in paper designed for smoking, which release chemicals when ignited and are primarily used for pleasure
3. Small tubes filled with cured tobacco leaves, wrapped in thin paper and intended to be burned and inhaled

Etymology: The surprising part is that "cigarette" is a diminutive: it means "little cigar." French took the word "cigarette" from "cigare," which came from Spanish "cigarro," and the French "-ette" ending is a diminutive suffix that shrinks the meaning down to something small. The Spanish "cigarro" likely traces back through Vulgar Latin to the Latin "cicāda," a cicada, the insect whose name is also the source of the Spanish word for a cricket-like insect, "cigarra." The link is a resemblance in shape or sound rather than a documented chain of meaning, so that step is uncertain. English borrowed the word directly from French, and the cigar, the larger original, came into English first, so the smaller rolled form was named by analogy with it. The shape of the tobacco roll, long and thin, is the logic behind the name.

Synonyms: smokes