Definition of chimney

The word "chimney" has its origins in Old English and is derived from the words "cyme" or "cymen," which mean "pipe" or "tube." In the 13th century, the term referred to a flue or pipe that carried smoke and flames from a fire. Over time, the word evolved to encompass the entire structure, including the masonry and architectural features that supported the flue. By the 16th century, the term "chimney" had come to include not only the pipe itself but also the entire structure, including the base, walls, and cap. Today, the word "chimney" is used to describe the entire system of pipes, flues, and vents that carry smoke and gases from a building's heating system, fireplace, or other sources.