flue-cured
Meaning
(of tobacco) dried using heat from pipes or flues in a closed structure, which produces a light-colored, mild tobacco.
Structure
Usage
Flue-cured tobacco is the primary type used in most American cigarette blends.
The barn was specially designed for flue-curing the harvested tobacco leaves.
Virginia is famous for its high-quality flue-cured tobacco.
Etymology
The term 'flue-cured' is a modern compound adjective specific to agricultural processing. 'Flue' refers to the system of pipes or channels used to conduct hot air, a technology developed in the 19th century. 'Cured' derives from the Latin cura (care), evolving through Old French to mean the process of preserving or treating, especially foodstuffs. Combined, the term literally describes tobacco that has been preserved or dried by the careful application of heat delivered via a flue system, a method which distinguishes it from air- or fire-cured varieties and gives the tobacco its characteristic mild flavor and light color.
Analysis
- flue: From Middle English flue, flewe (mouth of a pipe), of uncertain origin, possibly related to Old French flue (flow). In this compound, it functions as a noun specifying the method (using a flue or pipe). - cured: From Latin cura (care). The past participle of the verb cure, meaning to preserve or treat by a chemical or physical process. It functions as the primary action in the compound.