boil

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verb \ˈbȯi(-ə)l\

Definition of boil

intransitive verb
1a : to come to the boiling pointb : to generate bubbles of vapor when heated —used of a liquidc : to cook in boiling water
2 : to become agitated : seethe
3 : to be moved, excited, or stirred up
4a : to rush headlongb : 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 (something, such as sugar or salt) by boiling

boilable

play \ˈbȯi-lə-bəl\ adjective

See boil defined for English-language learners

Examples of boil in a Sentence

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

Origin and Etymology of boil

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

NEW!

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

boil

noun

Definition of boil

: a localized swelling and inflammation of the skin resulting from infection of a hair follicle and adjacent tissue, having a hard central core, and forming pus

Origin and Etymology of boil

Middle English, alteration of bile, from Old English bȳl; akin to Old High German pūlla bladder

NEW!

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

boil

noun

Definition of boil

1 : the act or state of boiling
2 : a swirling upheaval (as of water)
3 : a boiled dish of seafood, vegetables, and seasonings a crab boil; also : a gathering at which this dish is served

First Known Use of boil

15th century

Other Chemical Engineering Terms

alkali, cation, decant, hygroscopic, isotope, oxidize, slurry, solute, viscous

BOIL Defined for English Language Learners

boil

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verb

Definition of boil for English Language Learners

: to become so hot that bubbles are formed in a liquid and rise to the top
: to heat (a liquid or a container with liquid in it) so that bubbles are formed and rise to the top
: to cook (something) in water that is boiling

BOIL Defined for Kids

boil

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noun \ˈbȯil\

Definition of boil for Students

: a red painful lump in the skin that contains pus and is caused by infection

boil

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verb

Definition of boil for Students

boiled

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boiling

1 : to heat or become heated to the temperature (boiling point) at which bubbles rise and break at the surface boil water
2 : to cook or become cooked in boiling water boil eggs Let the stew boil slowly.
3 : to feel angry or upset The crowd boiled in frustration.

boil

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noun

Definition of boil for Students

: the state of something that is boiling Bring the water to a boil.

Medical Dictionary

boil

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noun \ˈbȯi(ə)l\

Medical Definition of boil

: a localized swelling and inflammation of the skin resulting from usually bacterial infection of a hair follicle and adjacent tissue, having a hard central core, and forming pus—called also furuncle