Definition

A device that turns a cooking spit using the movement of air or gases rising in a chimney.

Example

The smokejack helped cook the meat evenly by rotating it over the fire.

Conversation

Have you ever seen how a smokejack works in a traditional kitchen?

No, I haven't! What's a smokejack?

It's a device that turns a spit using the hot air from the chimney.

That sounds really interesting! I’d love to see it in action.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'smokejack' is formed from 'smoke' (from Old English 'smoca', meaning vapor or fume) and 'jack' (from Middle English 'jakke', a diminutive form of 'Jack', often used to refer to a man or device). The term 'smokejack' refers to a device that uses smoke to operate, typically in the context of cooking or heating.

Memory Tip

Think of 'smoke' as the vapor produced and 'jack' as a device or man — together, they create a device that operates using smoke.

Visually Confused Words