Capnomancy
/ˈkæp.nəˌmæn.si/noun
Divination by observing the movement, shape, or behavior of smoke.
Did you know?The word combines Greek kapnos, “smoke,” with manteia, “divination,” the same prophetic root connected with mantic and possibly the ancient Greek idea of inspired thought.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*men-
“To think, remember, or have one’s mind directed; a proposed distant root behind the divination family.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
kapnos
“Smoke.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
mantis
“A seer or prophet, literally a person associated with divine inspiration or prophetic insight.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
manteia
“Divination, prophecy, or the practice of receiving and interpreting supernatural signs.”
19th Century
English
capnomancy
“A form of divination performed by interpreting smoke.”
Modern English
English
capnomancy
“The occult reading of smoke as an omen or message.”