- Ustilago maydis
- Smut Smut, n. [Akin to Sw. smuts, Dan. smuds, MHG. smuz, G.
schmutz, D. smet a spot or stain, smoddig, smodsig,
smodderig, dirty, smodderen to smut; and probably to E.
smite. See {Smite}, v. t., and cf. {Smitt}, {Smutch}.]
1. Foul matter, like soot or coal dust; also, a spot or soil
made by such matter.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Mining) Bad, soft coal, containing much earthy matter, found in the immediate locality of faults. [1913 Webster]
3. (Bot.) An affection of cereal grains producing a swelling which is at length resolved into a powdery sooty mass. It is caused by parasitic fungi of the genus {Ustilago}. {Ustilago segetum}, or {U. Carbo}, is the commonest kind; that of Indian corn is {Ustilago maydis}. [1913 Webster]
4. Obscene language; ribaldry; obscenity. [1913 Webster]
He does not stand upon decency . . . but will talk smut, though a priest and his mother be in the room. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
{Smut mill}, a machine for cleansing grain from smut. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
