1. plural of smut; plant diseases caused by fungi that produce black powdery spores
Usage: botanical; agricultural
2. plural of smut; particles of soot or dirt

Examples

• The corn crop was damaged by smuts that blackened the kernels.
• Wheat smuts can significantly reduce harvest yields.
• The farmer treated the field to prevent smuts from spreading.
• Black smuts covered the leaves of the infected plants.
• Coal smuts from the old furnace stained the white curtains.
• She brushed the smuts off her jacket after walking past the chimney.