Fog: meaning, definitions and examples

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fog

[fɒɡ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

weather

Fog is a thick cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere at or near the earth's surface that obscures or restricts visibility.

Synonyms

haze, mist, smog.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fog	Thick cloud near the ground that makes it hard to see. It usually forms when there's a large amount of water vapor in the air and cooling temperatures. The fog was so dense that I couldn't see the road signs. We had to delay our flight because of the heavy fog.
mist	Light cloud near the ground, usually caused by humidity or hot and cold air meeting. It’s generally less thick than fog. In the morning, the garden was covered with mist. The mist began to clear as the sun rose.
haze	Light mist or smoke in the air that makes it hard to see far away. It’s often caused by pollution or heat. The city was covered in a light haze from the car exhaust. There was a haze over the mountains due to the forest fires.
smog	Dirty fog mixed with smoke and pollutants, typically found in cities. It is harmful to health and the environment. The smog in Beijing was so severe that people wore masks outside. The city's smog problem has worsened due to increased industrial activity. Smog is a significant health risk for people living in urban areas.

Examples of usage

The dense fog made it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead.
The airport had to cancel flights due to the heavy fog.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

cover

To fog means to cover or envelop with fog.

Examples of usage

The steam from the hot shower fogged up the bathroom mirror.
The glass on the window fogged over in the cold weather.

Interesting Facts

Weather Phenomena

Fog forms when the air is cool and moist, often at night or early morning.
There are different types of fog, such as radiation fog (that forms on clear nights) and advection fog (that occurs when warm, moist air moves over cooler surfaces).
Some regions, like San Francisco, are known for their heavy fog due to geographical features that promote its formation.

Cultural Significance

In literature and film, fog often symbolizes mystery or confusion, enhancing suspense in stories.
Fog is often depicted in art, conveying a sense of loneliness or isolation, like in the works of Impressionist painters.
In the UK, fog has historical significance, being linked to the infamous 'Great Smog' of 1952, which caused serious air quality concerns.

Environmental Impact

Fog can provide essential moisture to ecosystems, particularly in arid regions, by condensing on plants and feeding the soil.
Marine fog, common in coastal areas, can influence local weather patterns and biodiversity.
While fog itself isn’t dangerous, driving in heavy fog can reduce visibility, leading to traffic hazards.

Science and Exploration

Fog is composed of tiny water droplets that are small enough to remain suspended in the air, much like clouds in the sky.
Meteorologists study fog to understand its formation, which aids in weather prediction and safety measures for aviation.
Fog can lower temperatures in urban areas through a cooling effect, often referred to as 'urban fog' in densely populated cities.

Language and Expressions

The phrase 'into the fog' is often used to describe entering an uncertain or unclear situation.
Many phrases involving fog, like 'fog of war,' illustrate the confusion and uncertainty that can arise in conflict scenarios.
Some cultures have sayings about fog representing a lack of clarity in thoughts or decisions, showing its metaphorical use in language.

Translations

Translations of the word "fog" in other languages:

🇵🇹 névoa

🇮🇳 धुंध

🇩🇪 Nebel

🇮🇩 kabut

🇺🇦 туман

🇵🇱 mgła

🇯🇵 霧 (きり)

🇫🇷 brouillard

🇪🇸 niebla

🇹🇷 sis

🇰🇷 안개 (angae)

🇸🇦 ضباب

🇨🇿 mlha

🇸🇰 hmla

🇨🇳 雾 (wù)

🇸🇮 megla

🇮🇸 þoka

🇰🇿 тұман

🇬🇪 ნისლი

🇦🇿 duman

🇲🇽 niebla

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,111 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
7108 doubted
7109 lump
7110 circulating
7111 fog
7112 caste
7113 conquered
7114 purified
...