First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
chimney
noun chim·ney \ˈchim-nē\
: a part of a building through which smoke rises into the outside air; especially : the part that sticks up above the roof
: a tall narrow opening through a large piece of rock (such as a cliff) that can be used for climbing the rock
plural chimneys
Full Definition of CHIMNEY
2
: a vertical structure incorporated into a building and enclosing a flue or flues that carry off smoke; especially : the part of such a structure extending above a roof
3
4
: a tube usually of glass placed around a flame (as of a lamp)
5
: something resembling a chimney: as a : a narrow cleft or passage in rock b : a tall column of rock on the ocean floor that is formed by the precipitation of minerals from superheated water issuing from a hydrothermal vent and rising through the column of rock
— chim·ney·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
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Origin of CHIMNEY
Middle English, from Anglo-French chiminee, from Late Latin caminata, from Latin caminus furnace, fireplace, from Greek kaminos; perhaps akin to Greek kamara vault
CHIMNEY Defined for Kids
chimney
noun chim·ney \ˈchim-nē\
plural chimneys
Definition of CHIMNEY for Kids
: a structure that allows smoke to escape (as from a fireplace) and that is often made of brick
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