heat

²heat

noun

Definition of HEAT

1

a (1) : a condition of being hot : warmth (2) : a marked or notable degree of hotness b : pathological excessive bodily temperature c : a hot place or situation d (1) : a period of heat (2) : a single complete operation of heating; also : the quantity of material so heated e (1) : added energy that causes substances to rise in temperature, fuse, evaporate, expand, or undergo any of various other related changes, that flows to a body by contact with or radiation from bodies at higher temperatures, and that can be produced in a body (as by compression) (2) : the energy associated with the random motions of the molecules, atoms, or smaller structural units of which matter is composed f : appearance, condition, or color of a body as indicating its temperature

2

a : intensity of feeling or reaction : passion b : the height or stress of an action or condition <in the heat of battle> c : sexual excitement especially in a female mammal; specifically : estrus

3

: a single continuous effort: as a : a single round of a contest (as a race) having two or more rounds for each contestant b : one of several preliminary contests held to eliminate less competent contenders

4

: pungency of flavor

5

a slang (1) : the intensification of law-enforcement activity or investigation (2) : police b : pressure, coercion c : abuse, criticism <took heat for her mistakes>

6

: smoke 8

7

slang : gun 1b

— heat·less \ˈhēt-ləs\ adjective

— heat·proof \-ˌprüf\ adjective

Examples of HEAT

1. The sun's heat melted the snow.
2. the intense heat of a fire
3. She applied heat to the sore muscles in her leg.
4. a period of high heat and humidity
5. The crops were damaged by drought and extreme heat.
6. Cook the milk over low heat.
7. Remove the pan from the heat.

Origin of HEAT

Middle English hete, from Old English hǣte, hǣtu; akin to Old English hāt hot

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to HEAT

Synonyms: ardency, emotion, enthusiasm, fervency, fervidness, fervor, fire, ardor, intenseness, intensity, passion, passionateness, vehemence, violence, warmth, white heat

Antonyms: impassiveness, impassivity, insensibility, insensibleness, insensitiveness, insensitivity

Related Words: cathexis; emotionalism, emotionality, histrionics, mawkishness, melodrama, sappiness, sentimentality; eagerness, earnestness, excitement, gusto, keenness, zest; fanaticism, fever, hot-bloodedness, infatuation, mania, obsession, zeal; compassion, responsiveness, sentiment, sympathy, tenderness; torridity, torridness

Near Antonyms: aloofness, calmness, collectedness, composure, detachedness, dryness, phlegm, reserve, reservedness, reticence, taciturnity; apathy, indifference, stoicism, stoniness, unconcern; stiffness, woodenness; chilliness, coldness, coolness, frigidity, frigidness

see all synonyms and antonyms

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