Tobacco Dictionary

addiction: A compulsive dependence on a substance, like nicotine, where the person continues to consume the substance despite knowing the substance’s adverse effects. The substance causes chemical changes in the brain leading to cravings and physical dependence.

alveoli: Air sacs in the lungs where gases are exchanged into and from the blood stream.

cancer: A group of diseases where abnormal cells grow and spread to different parts of the body, sometimes leading to death.

carbon monoxide: Also known as CO; an odorless, tasteless gas that is poisonous.

cigarette: A roll of cut tobacco wrapped in thin paper.

cigar: A roll of tobacco wrapped in tobacco leaves. Cigar tobacco is also manufactured differently than cigarette tobacco.

chewing tobacco: A form of tobacco that is chewed rather than smoked.

cold turkey: Stopping taking a drug to which a person is addicted suddenly and completely.

coronary heart disease: Disease that results from plaque on the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Coronary heart disease can lead to angina, heart attacks and death.

dipping: Placing tobacco between the gums and the cheek.

emphysema: A respiratory disease that is characterized by difficulty in breathing and can result in death.