any of numerous solanaceous plants of the genus Nicotiana, having mildly narcotic properties, tapering hairy leaves, and tubular or funnel-shaped fragrant flowers. The species N. tabacum is cultivated as the chief source of commercial tobacco
2.
the leaves of certain of these plants dried and prepared for snuff, chewing, or smoking
Derived forms
tobaccoless (toˈbaccoless)
adjective
Word origin
C16: from Spanish tabaco, perhaps from Taino: leaves rolled for smoking, assumed by the Spanish to be the nameof the plant