flame

¹flame

noun \ˈflām\

Definition of FLAME

1

: the glowing gaseous part of a fire

2

a : a state of blazing combustion <the car burst into flame>

b : a condition or appearance suggesting a flame or burning: as (1) : burning zeal or passion (2) : a strong reddish-orange color

3

: brilliance, brightness

4

: sweetheart

5

: the memory, reputation, or beliefs of a deceased person; broadly : memory <keeper of the flame>

6

: an angry, hostile, or abusive electronic message

Examples of FLAME

1. the flame of a candle
2. We built a fire and roasted marshmallows over the flames.
3. They tried to put out the fire, but the flames grew higher.
4. The engine burst into flame.

Origin of FLAME

Middle English flaume, flaumbe, from Anglo-French flame (from Latin flamma) & flambe, flamble, from Latin flammula, diminutive of flamma flame; akin to Latin flagrare to burn — more at black

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to FLAME

Synonyms

beloved, darling, dear, sweetheart, hon, honey, love, squeeze [slang], sweet, sweetie, sweetie pie, truelove

Related Words

beau, boy, boyfriend, fellow, man, swain; gal, girl, girlfriend, inamorata, ladylove, lass, mistress, tootsie; amour, lover, paramour; doll, duck(s) [chiefly British], pet; date, escort, steady; admirer, gallant, suitor, wooer; groom, husband; bride, wife; significant other; fiancé, intended; crush, heartthrob

Rhymes with FLAME

aim, blame, came, claim, dame, fame, frame, game, hame, kame, lame, maim, name, same, shame, tame, wame

²flame

verb

flamedflam·ing

Definition of FLAME

intransitive verb

1

: to burn with a flame : blaze

2

a : to burst or break out violently or passionately <flaming with indignation>

b : to send an angry, hostile, or abusive electronic message

3

: to shine brightly : glow <color flaming up in her cheeks>

transitive verb

1

: to send or convey by means of flame <flame a message by signal fires>

2

: to treat or affect with flame: as

a : to sear, sterilize, or destroy by fire

b : flambé

3

: to send an angry, hostile, or abusive electronic message to or about

— flam·er noun

Examples of FLAME

1. A fire flamed in the oven.
2. The sun flamed through the clouds.
3. color flaming in her cheeks

First Known Use of FLAME

14th century

Related to FLAME

Synonyms

blaze, combust, burn, glow

Related Words

catch, enkindle; deflagrate, fire, ignite, kindle; flare (up), light (up); flicker, gutter, waver; bake, broil, char, cook, melt, roast, scorch, swelter; smolder (or smoulder), spark, sputter; beam, brighten, radiate; beat (down), flash, glare, gleam, glimmer, glint, glisten, glitter, scintillate, shimmer, shine, sparkle, twinkle

flame

transitive verb \ˈflām\   (Medical Dictionary)

flamedflam·ing

Medical Definition of FLAME

: to cleanse or sterilize by fire