ScienceJuly 16, 2026
pall
/pɔːl/
Definition
A dark, thick covering or cloud of smoke, dust, or other obscuring material that creates a gloomy or depressing atmosphere.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'pallium,' meaning a cloak or covering. In Middle English, the word evolved to refer specifically to a cloth covering for a coffin, eventually expanding to describe any dark, oppressive atmosphere.
In the news
The article uses the word to describe an intense, sun-blocking layer of wildfire smoke that descended over New England in 1950. It illustrates how these weather events have historically created an unsettling, almost apocalyptic environment.
‘Expect more of this’: Smoky skies may now be part of summertime in New England, some scientists say
Read the full article ↗The Boston Globe