Smoke vs. Mist: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 26, 2023
Smoke is a collection of airborne particles from combustion; mist is a collection of tiny water droplets suspended in the air.
Key Differences
Smoke and Mist are atmospheric phenomena but are distinguished by their origin and composition. Smoke emanates from the combustion of materials and is typically composed of a mix of particles, gases, and water vapor, giving it a distinct smell and often a gray or black color. Mist, on the other hand, is formed by the suspension of tiny water droplets in the air and is usually seen when there’s a temperature difference between the air and the nearby surface, generally appearing white or translucent.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
While smoke is a byproduct of burning substances and can be hazardous to health due to the presence of toxic particles and chemicals, mist is a natural occurrence and is generally non-hazardous, consisting mainly of water. Smoke can cause air pollution and visibility issues, and prolonged exposure can lead to health problems. Conversely, mist, being water-based, usually does not pose health risks and is a common occurrence in specific weather conditions, especially in areas near water bodies.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Smoke's density and composition can vary, depending on what is being burnt. It can be thick and opaque, obstructing visibility significantly, and often has an acrid smell. In contrast, mist is generally less dense, and visibility through mist depends on the concentration of water droplets, with denser mist reducing visibility more, and it usually doesn’t have a significant smell.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
The visibility issues caused by both smoke and mist can be perilous, especially for transportation. The reduced visibility in smoke is often accompanied by the health risk due to inhaling toxic particles, whereas the primary risk with mist is related to its effect on visibility on roads and at sea. While smoke can occur both indoors and outdoors, mist is predominantly an outdoor phenomenon, usually occurring in the mornings or evenings when the temperature changes are most significant.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
In summary, the fundamental difference between smoke and mist is that smoke is a result of combustion containing various particles and can be harmful, while mist is composed of water droplets and is usually harmless. They both, however, can significantly reduce visibility depending on their density.
Sara Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Composition
Composed of particles, gases, and water vapor from combustion.
Composed of tiny water droplets suspended in the air.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Origin
Emanates from the burning of substances.
Formed by the suspension of water droplets in the air.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Health Impact
Can be hazardous due to toxic particles and chemicals.
Generally non-hazardous and consists mainly of water.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Visibility
Can be thick and opaque, significantly obstructing visibility.
Density determines visibility obstruction; usually translucent.
Harlon Moss
Sep 26, 2023
Occurrence
Can occur both indoors and outdoors.
Predominantly an outdoor phenomenon.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
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Smoke and Mist Definitions
Smoke
Emitted substance with an odor from burnt items.
The smoke from the barbecue wafted through the air.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Mist
A mass of tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere, affecting visibility.
The morning mist covered the hills, creating a mystical landscape.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
Smoke
A mixture of gases and small suspended particles of soot or other solids, resulting from the burning of materials such as wood or coal.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Mist
A natural occurrence predominantly outdoors, usually harmless.
The mist rolled in from the sea, enveloping the coastline.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
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Mist
A weather condition causing reduced visibility due to water droplets.
The mist made driving conditions dangerous on the highway.
Harlon Moss
Sep 26, 2023
Mist
A mass of fine droplets of water in the atmosphere near or in contact with the earth.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
Something insubstantial, unreal, or transitory
"What everybody echoes or in silence passes by as true to-day may turn out to be falsehood to-morrow, mere smoke of opinion" (Henry David Thoreau).
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Mist
Fine drops of a liquid, such as water, perfume, or medication, sprayed into the air.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
(Informal) Tobacco in a form that can be smoked, especially a cigarette
Money to buy smokes.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Mist
Something that produces or gives the impression of dimness or obscurity
The mists of the past.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
(Baseball) Pitches thrown at high velocity; fast balls
Threw a lot of smoke in the early innings.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
To draw in and exhale smoke from a cigarette, cigar, or pipe
It's forbidden to smoke here.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
To engage in smoking regularly or habitually
He smoked for years before stopping.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
To emit smoke or a smokelike substance
Chimneys smoking in the cold air.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Mist
To moisturize (plants or dry air, for example) with a fine spray of water.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
To emit smoke excessively
The station wagon smoked even after the tune-up.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Mist
Water or other liquid finely suspended in air. fog, haze.}}
It was difficult to see through the morning mist.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Mist
(countable) A layer of fine droplets or particles.
There was an oily mist on the lens.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
To play or perform energetically
The band was really smoking in the second set.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
To draw in and exhale the smoke of (tobacco, for example)
I've never smoked a panatela.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Mist
To spray fine droplets on, particularly of water.
I mist my tropical plants every morning.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
To preserve (meat or fish) by exposure to the aromatic smoke of burning hardwood, usually after pickling in salt or brine.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Mist
(of the eyes) To be covered by tears.
My eyes misted when I remembered what had happened.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
To expose (animals, especially insects) to smoke in order to immobilize or drive away.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Mist
To disperse into a mist, accompanying operation of equipment at high speeds.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Mist
Visible watery vapor suspended in the atmosphere, at or near the surface of the earth; fog.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Mist
Coarse, watery vapor, floating or falling in visible particles, approaching the form of rain; as, Scotch mist.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Mist
Hence, anything which dims or darkens, and obscures or intercepts vision.
His passion cast a mist before his sense.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
(uncountable) The visible vapor/vapour, gases, and fine particles given off by burning or smoldering material.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
Anything to smoke (e.g. cigarettes, marijuana, etc.)
Hey, you got some smoke?
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
An instance of smoking a cigarette, cigar, etc.; the duration of this act.
I'm going out for a smoke.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
A fleeting illusion; something insubstantial, evanescent, unreal, transitory, or without result.
The excitement behind the new candidate proved to be smoke.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
Something used to obscure or conceal; an obscuring condition; see also smoke and mirrors.
The smoke of controversy.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Mist
A phenomenon caused by the suspension of water particles in the air.
The forest was shrouded in a thick mist.
Sara Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Mist
Consists of water droplets and appears white or translucent.
The mist hung over the lake in the early dawn light.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
Smoke
A particulate of solid or liquid particles dispersed into the air on the battlefield to degrade enemy ground or for aerial observation. Smoke has many uses--screening smoke, signaling smoke, smoke curtain, smoke haze, and smoke deception. Thus it is an artificial aerosol.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
(countable) A distinct column of smoke, such as indicating a burning area or fire.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
(transitive) To inhale and exhale the smoke from a burning cigarette, cigar, pipe, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
(intransitive) To give off smoke.
My old truck was still smoking even after the repairs.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
(intransitive) Of a fire in a fireplace: to emit smoke outward instead of up the chimney, owing to imperfect draught.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
(transitive) To preserve or prepare (food) for consumption by treating with smoke.
You'll need to smoke the meat for several hours.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
To perform (e.g. music) energetically or skillfully.
The horn section was really smokin' on that last tune.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
To punish (a person) for a minor offense by excessive physical exercise.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
(transitive) To cover (a key blank) with soot or carbon to aid in seeing the marks made by impressioning.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
The visible exhalation, vapor, or substance that escapes, or expelled, from a burning body, especially from burning vegetable matter, as wood, coal, peat, or the like.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
To emit smoke; to throw off volatile matter in the form of vapor or exhalation; to reek.
Hard by a cottage chimney smokes.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
Hence, to burn; to be kindled; to rage.
The anger of the Lord and his jealousy shall smoke agains. that man.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
To raise a dust or smoke by rapid motion.
Proud of his steeds, he smokes along the field.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
To draw into the mouth the smoke of tobacco burning in a pipe or in the form of a cigar, cigarette, etc.; to habitually use tobacco in this manner.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
To suffer severely; to be punished.
Some of you shall smoke for it in Rome.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
To apply smoke to; to hang in smoke; to disinfect, to cure, etc., by smoke; as, to smoke or fumigate infected clothing; to smoke beef or hams for preservation.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
To smell out; to hunt out; to find out; to detect.
I aloneSmoked his true person, talked with him.
He was first smoked by the old Lord Lafeu.
Upon that . . . I began to smoke that they were a parcel of mummers.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
To inhale and puff out the smoke of, as tobacco; to burn or use in smoking; as, to smoke a pipe or a cigar.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
To subject to the operation of smoke, for the purpose of annoying or driving out; - often with out; as, to smoke a woodchuck out of his burrow.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
A hot vapor containing fine particles of carbon being produced by combustion;
The fire produced a tower of black smoke that could be seen for miles
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
An indication of some hidden activity;
With all that smoke there must be a fire somewhere
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
Something with no concrete substance;
His dreams all turned to smoke
It was just smoke and mirrors
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
The act of smoking tobacco or other substances;
He went outside for a smoke
Smoking stinks
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
(baseball) a pitch thrown with maximum velocity;
He swung late on the fastball
He showed batters nothing but smoke
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
Inhale and exhale smoke from cigarettes, cigars, pipes;
We never smoked marijuana
Do you smoke?
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 27, 2023
Smoke
A visible suspension of carbon and other particles in air, typically emitted from burning material.
The smoke from the burning wood was dense and gray.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Smoke
The gaseous byproduct of combustion, usually containing a mix of particles.
The room was filled with smoke after the fire.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
Smoke
An airborne mixture, potentially causing air pollution and visibility issues.
The city was blanketed in smoke due to the nearby wildfire.
Harlon Moss
Sep 26, 2023
Smoke
The release of particles and chemicals due to burning.
He coughed as he inhaled the smoke from the cigarette.
Harlon Moss
Sep 26, 2023
FAQs
Is smoke composed of airborne particles from combustion?
Yes, smoke is composed of airborne particles that are products of combustion.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Can smoke be hazardous to health?
Yes, smoke can be hazardous to health due to the presence of toxic particles and chemicals.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Is mist generally non-hazardous?
Yes, mist is generally non-hazardous as it consists mainly of water.
Harlon Moss
Sep 26, 2023
Is mist an outdoor phenomenon?
Mist is predominantly an outdoor phenomenon, usually occurring in specific weather conditions.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
Does smoke have an odor?
Yes, smoke often has an acrid or distinctive smell depending on what is being burnt.
Sara Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Does smoke obstruct visibility?
Yes, smoke can obstruct visibility significantly, depending on its density.
Sara Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Can prolonged exposure to smoke lead to health problems?
Yes, prolonged exposure to smoke can lead to various health problems due to inhaling toxic particles.
Sara Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Is mist composed of tiny water droplets suspended in the air?
Yes, mist is composed of tiny water droplets suspended in the air.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Does mist affect visibility?
Yes, mist can affect visibility, with denser mist reducing visibility more.
Janet White
Sep 26, 2023
Is mist seen when there’s a temperature difference between the air and nearby surface?
Yes, mist usually forms when there’s a temperature difference between the air and a nearby surface.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Can the density of smoke vary?
Yes, the density of smoke can vary depending on what is being burnt and under what conditions.
Sara Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Can smoke cause air pollution?
Yes, smoke can cause air pollution due to the release of particles and chemicals.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Does mist have a significant smell?
No, mist usually doesn’t have a significant smell as it is composed of water droplets.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
Is mist a natural occurrence?
Yes, mist is a natural occurrence and is formed by the suspension of water droplets in the air.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
