snuff
UK[snʌf]US[snʌf]
v
to extinguish a candle flame, typically by pinching or smothering it.
v
to inhale or sniff something audibly.
n
powdered tobacco that is sniffed into the nose.
n
the charred portion of a candle wick.
Etymology
the word 'snuff' emerged in the late middle english period, primarily as a verb. its origins are onomatopoeic, imitating the sound of drawing air noisily through the nose, which is the core action of sniffing. this auditory root naturally extended to the act of extinguishing a candle, as the quick puff of breath used to put out a flame produces a similar snuffing sound. from this verb, the noun forms developed, referring first to the inhaled substance (tobacco) and later to the residual burnt tip of a candle wick, which one 'snuffs' off.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it is likely imitative in origin, formed to mimic the sound of breathing or sniffing.
Examples
he leaned forward to snuff out the candle before going to sleep.
the old man would take a pinch of snuff from his ornate box.
after the power returned, she trimmed the black snuff from the wick.