Chimney
/ˈtʃɪm.ni/noun
A vertical structure that carries smoke and gases safely out of a building.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Greek kaminos, meaning a furnace or kiln, so chimney is historically tied to the language of fire, heat, and ritual craft.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
κάμινος (kaminos)
“a furnace, kiln, or oven”
Late Latin
Latin
camīna / caminata
“a furnace or heated room; by extension, a fireplace or hearth”
Old French
Old French
chimenee / cheminée
“a fireplace, hearth, or flue”
Middle English
English
chimenee
“a fireplace or smoke vent”
Modern English
English
chimney
“a structure for carrying smoke from a fire out of a building”