Suffumigare

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To subject something to the process of producing smoke or vapor for purpose of purification or aromatic influence
2. To envelop or treat an area or substance with fragrant smoke as part of a ritual or therapeutic practice
3. To expose to a medicinal smoke in order to achieve cleansing or fragrant benefits

Etymology: The Latin verb "suffumigare" combines "sub", meaning "under", with "fumigare", meaning "to smoke". "Fumigare" itself comes from "fumus", "smoke", plus a verb ending related to "agere", "to drive or do". The literal sense is "to smoke from underneath," which describes the method: smoke was directed upward onto something rather than poured over it from above. Latin writers used smoke in medical and household practice, applying it to the body or to a room for treatment or purification. The English verb "suffumigate" keeps both the Latin structure and this sense of applying smoke from below.

Synonyms: fumigate, smoke