Definition of smoulder

The word "smoulder" originates from the Old English word "smulan," meaning "smolder" or "smoke slightly." It shares roots with the Old Norse word "smultra," which also meant "smoke." During the time of Old English, smoldering was a common occurance due to the use of wood and coal for heat and cooking. It was necessary to keep fires going and smoldering as storage methods for grains, such as hay or straw, were limited during colder winter months. This dependence on smoldering fires paved the way for the concept of smoldering to make its way into the English language. Over time, the meaning of "smoulder" evolved to include a sense of low intensity or intensity that remains concealed. Today, the use of "smoulder" not only captures the literal meaning of smoldering materials but also elicits an emotional response, such as "smouldering eyes" to describe a person with intense but gently concealed feelings. In some dialects of English today, "smolder" is still used as an alternative to its British English counterpart "smoulder." Both terms, however, remain interchangeable and indicate the process by which low-intensity flames gradually spark up and consume a material, often leading to fire.