smolder - Definitions from Dictionary.com

7 results for: smolder

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

smol·der

Audio Help [smohl-der] Pronunciation Key

–verb (used without object)

1.	to burn without flame; undergo slow or suppressed combustion.

2.	to exist or continue in a suppressed state or without outward demonstration: Hatred smoldered beneath a polite surface.

3.	to display repressed feelings, as of indignation, anger, or the like: to smolder with rage.

–noun

4.	dense smoke resulting from slow or suppressed combustion.

5.	a smoldering fire.

Also, smoulder.

[Origin: 1275–1325; (n.) ME smolder smoky vapor, dissimilated var. of smorther smother; (v.) ME (as prp. smolderende), deriv. of the n.

]

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
smolder

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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

smol·der also smoul·der Audio Help (smōl'dər) Pronunciation Key
intr.v. smol·dered also smoul·dered, smol·der·ing also smoul·der·ing, smol·ders also smoul·ders

To burn with little smoke and no flame.
To exist in a suppressed state: Revolution smoldered in the masses.
To show signs of repressed anger or hatred.

n. Thick smoke resulting from a slow fire.

[Middle English smolderen, to suffocate, from smolder, smoke, probably alteration of smorther, from Old English smorian, to smoke.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
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Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
smolder

c.1300 (implied in smoldering), "to smother, suffocate," cognate with M.Du. smolen, Low Ger. smelen, Flem. smoel "hot," from P.Gmc. *smel-, *smul-. The meaning "burn and smoke without flame" is first recorded 1529, fell from use 17c. (though smoldering persisted in poetry) and was revived 19c.

WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This

smolder
noun
1.	a fire that burns with thick smoke but no flame; "the smoulder suddenly became a blaze" [syn: smoulder]
verb
1.	burn slowly and without a flame; "a smoldering fire"
2.	have strong suppressed feelings

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Smolder

Smol"der\, Smoulder \Smoul"der\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Smolderedor Smouldered; p. pr. & vb. n. Smoldering or Smouldering.] [OE. smolderen; cf. Prov. G. sm["o]len, smelen, D. smeulen. Cf. Smell.]

1. To burn and smoke without flame; to waste away by a slow and supressed combustion.

The smoldering dust did round about him smoke. --Spenser.

2. To exist in a state of suppressed or smothered activity; to burn inwardly; as, a smoldering feud.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Smolder

Smol"der\, Smoulder \Smoul"der\, v. t. To smother; to suffocate; to choke. [Obs.] --Holinshed. Palsgrave.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Smolder

Smol"der\, Smoulder \Smoul"der\, n. Smoke; smother. [Obs.]

The smolder stops our nose with stench. --Gascoigne.

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