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What is "in a fume"

The Collaborative International Dictionary
In a fume

Fume \Fume\ (f[=u]m), n. [L. fumus; akin to Skr. dh[=u]ma smoke, dh[=u] to shake, fan a flame, cf. Gr. qy`ein to sacrifice, storm, rage, qy`mon, qy`mos, thyme, and perh. to E. dust: cf. OF. fum smoke, F. fum['e]e. Cf. Dust, n., Femerell, Thyme.]

  1. Exhalation; volatile matter (esp. noxious vapor or smoke) ascending in a dense body; smoke; vapor; reek; as, the fumes of tobacco.

    The fumes of new shorn hay.
    --T. Warton.

    The fumes of undigested wine.
    --Dryden.

  2. Rage or excitement which deprives the mind of self-control; as, the fumes of passion.
    --South.

  3. Anything vaporlike, unsubstantial, or airy; idle conceit; vain imagination.

    A show of fumes and fancies.
    --Bacon.

  4. The incense of praise; inordinate flattery.

    To smother him with fumes and eulogies.
    --Burton.

  5. (Metal.) Solid material deposited by condensation of fumes; as, lead fume (a grayish powder chiefly lead sulphate).

    In a fume, in ill temper, esp. from impatience.

Usage examples of "in a fume".

Through the glass of the phone-booth and that of the lounge, I could see most of my floor-mates playing cards in a fume of cigarette smoke.