Fog Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ซ๏ธ
fog
[fษษก ]
Definitions
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
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.
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| mist |
Light cloud near the ground, usually caused by humidity or hot and cold air meeting. Itโs generally less thick than fog.
|
| haze |
Light mist or smoke in the air that makes it hard to see far away. Itโs often caused by pollution or heat.
|
| smog |
Dirty fog mixed with smoke and pollutants, typically found in cities. It is harmful to health and the environment.
|
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.
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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
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 isnโt 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.
Origin of 'fog'
The word 'fog' can be traced back to the Old English word 'fogga', which originally referred to grass or moss. Over time, the meaning shifted to describe the weather phenomenon of thick mist or cloud near the ground. Fog has been a natural occurrence throughout history, often featured in literature and art as a symbol of mystery or uncertainty.
See also: fogger, foggily, fogginess, foggy, pettifogging.