Sumu

Noun:

Sumu refers to ”fog” or ”mist.” (In astronomy, also to ”nebula.”)

Usage notes:

The words sumu, usva and utu all describe ”water vapor lightly suspended near the ground”, but – strictly speaking – at different degrees. However, they may often be used synonymously with no discretion.

• Utu describes very light vapor near the ground, especially that occurring in the morning and therefore it is translated usually as mist or haze.
• Usva describes a bit thicker vapor than utu near the ground, especially when considering the water travelling conditions. Therefore, it is translated usually as mist, haze or fog.
• Sumu describes very thick vapor obscuring the visibility near the ground and thus, it is translated usually as mist or fog.