boil

¹boil

verb \ˈbȯi(-ə)l\

Definition of BOIL

intransitive verb

1

a : to come to the boiling point b : to generate bubbles of vapor when heated —used of a liquid c : to cook in boiling water

2

: to become agitated : seethe

3

: to be moved, excited, or stirred up

4

a : to rush headlong b : to burst forth

5

: to undergo the action of a boiling liquid

transitive verb

1

: to subject to the action of a boiling liquid

2

: to heat to the boiling point

3

: to form or separate (as sugar or salt) by boiling

— boil·able \ˈbȯi-lə-bəl\ adjective

Examples of BOIL

1. Keep the temperature low enough so the mixture will not boil.
2. a pot of boiling water
3. french fries cooked in boiling oil

Origin of BOIL

Middle English, from Anglo-French buillir, boillir, from Latin bullire to bubble, from bulla bubble

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to BOIL

Synonyms: burn, foam, fume, rage, rankle, seethe, sizzle, steam, storm, see red

Related Words: fulminate, rant, rave; smolder (or smoulder); bristle, flare (up), inflame (also enflame); chafe, fret, stew; agitate, convulse, roil, shake

Near Antonyms: abate, calm, subside

see all synonyms and antonyms

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