Fahrenheit

adjective Fahr·en·heit \ ˈfer-ən-ˌhīt \

Definition of Fahrenheit

: relating or conforming to a thermometric scale on which under standard atmospheric pressure the boiling point of water is at 212 degrees above the zero of the scale, the freezing point is at 32 degrees above zero, and the zero point approximates the temperature produced by mixing equal quantities by weight of snow and common salt —abbreviation F

See Fahrenheit defined for English-language learners

See Fahrenheit defined for kids

Examples of fahrenheit in a Sentence

It was 70 degrees Fahrenheit outside.

Origin and Etymology of fahrenheit

Daniel G. Fahrenheit

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1753

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Fahrenheit

biographical name Fah·ren·heit \ ˈfer-ən-ˌhīt , ˈfa-rən- , ˈfär-ən- \

Definition of Fahrenheit

Daniel Gabriel 1686–1736 German physicist

FAHRENHEIT Defined for English Language Learners

Fahrenheit

adjective

Definition of Fahrenheit for English Language Learners

: relating to or having a scale for measuring temperature on which the boiling point of water is at 212 degrees above zero and the freezing point is at 32 degrees above zero

Fahrenheit

adjective

Definition of Fahrenheit for English Language Learners

: relating to or having a scale for measuring temperature on which the boiling point of water is at 212 degrees above zero and the freezing point is at 32 degrees above zero

FAHRENHEIT Defined for Kids

Fahrenheit

adjective Fahr·en·heit \ ˈfar-ən-ˌhīt \

Definition of Fahrenheit for Students

: relating to or having a temperature scale on which the boiling point of water is at 212 degrees above the zero of the scale and the freezing point is at 32 degrees above zero

Medical Dictionary

Fahrenheit

adjective Fahr·en·heit \ ˈfar-ən-ˌhīt \

medical Definition of Fahrenheit

Biographical Note for fahrenheit

Fahrenheit, Daniel Gabriel (1686–1736), German physicist. Fahrenheit devoted his career mostly to the making of precision scientific instruments. In 1709 he developed an alcohol thermometer, superseding it with a mercury thermometer in 1714. His most important achievement was his development, from the work of Olaus Roemer, of the thermometric scale that bears his name.