haze1

 
Pronunciation: /heɪz/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1a slight obscuration of the lower atmosphere, typically caused by fine suspended particles: the cold air has no pollution and very little haze [in singular]: there was a thick haze on this October morning
  • a very fine cloud of something such as vapour or smoke in the air: the gathering haze of cigarette smoke
  • 2 [in singular] a state of mental confusion: an alcoholic haze

verb

[with object]
  • obscure with a haze: a clump of islands, very green, but hazed in cloud and mist

Origin:

early 18th century (originally denoting fog or hoar frost): probably a back-formation from hazy