Main Entry: ¹fire

Pronunciation: \ˈfi(-ə)r\

Function: noun

Usage: often attributive

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English fȳr; akin to Old High German fiur fire, Greek pyr

Date: before 12th century

1 a (1) : the phenomenon of combustion manifested in light, flame, and heat (2) : one of the four elements of the alchemists b (1) : burning passion : ardor (2) : liveliness of imagination : inspiration
2 a : fuel in a state of combustion (as on a hearth) b British : a small gas or electric space heater
3 a : a destructive burning (as of a building) b (1) : death or torture by fire (2) : severe trial or ordeal
4 : brilliancy, luminosity <the fire of a gem>
5 a : the firing of weapons (as firearms, artillery, or missiles) b : intense verbal attack or criticism c : a rapidly delivered series (as of remarks)

— fire·less \-ləs\ adjective

— on fire 1 : being consumed by fire : aflame
2 : eager, burning

— under fire 1 : exposed to fire from an enemy's weapons
2 : under attack