Glossary of smoking

Smoking has been a social, medical, and scientific subject of interest for centuries. Over time, a rich lexicon of terms has developed around this topic. This glossary aims to provide clarity on the definitions and usage of terms related to smoking.

A

Addiction: A chronic condition characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. Often associated with the use of nicotine in tobacco products.

B

Bidi (or Beedi): A thin, often flavored cigarette from India, made of tobacco wrapped in a tendu leaf.

Blunt: A cigar hollowed out and filled with marijuana, often combined with another drug.

C

Carbon monoxide: A colorless, odorless toxic gas produced from burning tobacco. It interferes with the blood's ability to carry oxygen.

Carcinogen: A substance that can cause cancer. Tobacco smoke contains many carcinogens.

Chewing tobacco: A type of smokeless tobacco consumed by placing a portion of the tobacco between the cheek and gum or upper lip.

Cigar: A tightly rolled bundle of dried and fermented tobacco, which is ignited and smoked.

Cigarette: A thin cylinder of finely cut tobacco rolled in paper for smoking.

D

Dipping tobacco (or Snuff): A type of finely ground or shredded, moistened smokeless tobacco product.

E

E-cigarette: A battery-operated device that emits doses of vaporized nicotine, or non-nicotine solutions, to be inhaled.

H

Hookah: A single or multi-stemmed instrument for vaporizing and smoking flavored tobacco called shisha.

N

Nicotine: A potent parasympathomimetic alkaloid found in the nightshade family of plants. It is the active component in tobacco.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): A medically-approved way to take nicotine by means other than tobacco. Often used to help people quit smoking.

P

Passive smoking: Involuntary exposure to smoke by non-smokers who are near active smokers.

Pipe: A device used for smoking tobacco. It has a chamber (the bowl) for the combustion of material and a thin stem (shank) ending in a mouthpiece.

S

Smokeless tobacco: Tobacco products that are consumed in unburned form, including chewing tobacco and snuff.

Smoker's cough: A persistent cough that develops in long-term smokers.

Smoking Cessation: The process of discontinuing tobacco smoking.

T

Tar: Residue from burning tobacco or cannabis. Contains most of the carcinogens in tobacco smoke.

V

Vaping: The act of inhaling vapor from e-liquid through a personal vaporizer or electronic cigarette.

Conclusion

Understanding the glossary of smoking-related terms is essential for both medical professionals and the general public. As smoking affects global health, it's crucial for individuals to be aware of its lexicon, which can help in better communication and understanding of research, medical advice, and public health announcements. This glossary provides a starting point and reference for those wishing to delve deeper into the topic.

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