caloric

1 of 2

noun

ca·​lo·​ric kə-ˈlȯr-ik 

1

: a supposed form of matter formerly held responsible for the phenomena of heat and combustion

2

archaic : heat

caloric

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of or relating to heat

2

: of, relating to, or containing calories

calorically

kə-ˈlȯr-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of caloric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Adapt Your Diet to Meet Nutrient Needs People undergoing breast cancer treatment often need to pay closer attention to their protein intake, caloric needs, and hydration. —Stephanie Brown, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026

Extended fasts or excessive caloric restriction may contribute to muscle loss over time. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2026

Adjective

In a caloric deficit, higher protein is recommended to preserve lean muscle. —Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2026

To keep your drink lighter, opt for unsweetened preparations or use safe, non-caloric sweeteners such as monk fruit. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 19 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French calorique, from Latin calor

First Known Use

Noun

1792, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for caloric

• dysphoric
• euphoric
• folkloric
• historic
• plethoric
• pyloric
• anaphoric
• metaphoric
• meteoric
• paregoric
• prehistoric
• pyrophoric

Kids Definition

caloric

adjective

ca·​lor·​ic

kə-ˈlȯr-ik, 

-ˈlōr-, 

-ˈlär-;

ˈkal-ə-rik

1

: of or relating to heat

2

: relating to or containing calories

calorically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

Medical Definition

caloric

adjective

ca·​lo·​ric kə-ˈlȯr-ik, -ˈlōr-, -ˈlär-; ˈkal-ə-rik 

1

: of or relating to heat

2

: of or relating to calories

calorically

kə-ˈlȯr-i-k(ə-)lē, -ˈlōr-, -ˈlär- 

adverb