Smoking

Definition

The act of inhaling smoke from burning tobacco encased in cigarettes, pipes or cigars. It's an addictive habit that has numerous health risks including lung cancer and heart disease.

Related terms

Nicotine Dependence: A state of dependence upon nicotine characterized by craving for tobacco products.

Secondhand Smoke Exposure (Passive Smoking): Inhaling burnt tobacco products - usually cigarettes - that are exhaled by smokers.

Lung Cancer: A type of cancer that begins in the lungs often due to prolonged exposure to carcinogens such as those found in cigarette smoke.