chimney: Meaning and Definition of

chim•ney

Pronunciation: (chim'nē), [key]
— n., pl. v., -neys, -neyed, -ney•ing.
—n.
  1. a structure, usually vertical, containing a passage or flue by which the smoke, gases, etc., of a fire or furnace are carried off and by means of which a draft is created.
  2. the part of such a structure that rises above a roof.
  3. the smokestack or funnel of a locomotive, steamship, etc.
  4. a tube, usually of glass, surrounding the flame of a lamp to promote combustion and keep the flame steady.
    1. the vent of a volcano.
    2. a narrow vertical fissure between two rock faces or in a rock formation.
  5. a nearly vertical cylindrical oreshoot.
  6. fireplace.
—v.t.
  1. to ascend or descend (a chimney) by repeated bracing of one's feet or back and feet against opposite walls.
—v.i.
  1. to ascend or descend a chimney.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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