chimney

views updated

chim·ney / ˈchimnē/ • n. (pl. -neys) a vertical channel or pipe that conducts smoke and combustion gases up from a fire or furnace and typically through the roof of a building. ∎  the part of such a structure that extends above the roof. ∎  a glass tube that protects the flame of a lamp. ∎  a steep narrow cleft by which a rock face may be climbed.ORIGIN: Middle English (denoting a fireplace or furnace): from Old French cheminee ‘chimney, fireplace,’ from late Latin caminata, perhaps from camera caminata ‘room with a fireplace,’ from Latin caminus ‘forge, furnace,’ from Greek kaminos ‘oven.’

More From encyclopedia.com