torrid

adjective

tor·rid | \ ˈtȯr-əd

, ˈtär-\

Definition of torrid

1a : parched with heat especially of the sun : hot torrid sands

b : giving off intense heat : scorching

2 : ardent, passionate torrid love letters

Other Words from torrid Synonyms & Antonyms What Do torrid and Toast Have in Common? More Example Sentences Learn More about torrid

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Other Words from torrid

torridity \ tȯ-ˈri-də-tē

\ noun

torridly \ ˈtȯr-əd-lē

, ˈtär- \ adverb

torridness noun

What Do torrid and Toast Have in Common?

Torrid derives from the Latin verb torrēre, which means "to burn" or "to parch" and is an ancestor of our word toast. Despite the dry implications of this root, it is also an ancestor of "torrent," which can refer to a violent stream of liquid (as in "a torrent of rain"). "Torrid" first appeared in English in the 16th century, and was originally used to describe something burned or scorched by exposure to the sun. The term "torrid zone" later came about to refer to tropical regions of the Earth. By the end of that century the word had taken on the extended meaning that we know today - suggesting fiery passion.

Examples of torrid in a Sentence

The team had a torrid time trying to score. the dry, torrid summers in southern Arizona

Recent Examples on the Web

Hoskins went just 14 for 87 this month in 100 plate appearances after starting the season with a torrid April. — Matt Breen, Philly.com, "Rhys Hoskins has a fractured jaw, likely headed to the disabled list," 30 May 2018 In the sixth, Roche continued his torrid afternoon with a two-run double off the replica Green Monster in left. — Matt Doherty, BostonGlobe.com, "BC High’s bats erupt in rout of Newton North," 29 Apr. 2018 Pellegrino endured a torrid time in England, leaving the Saints one point and one place above the relegation zone after 23 games in charge. — SI.com, "Mauricio Pellegrino Aiming to Avoid Southampton Mistakes After Signing 1-Year Leganes Contract," 13 July 2018 Blunt was another serial adulterer, who had pursued a torrid affair with Mary’s mother in the 1870s. — Richard Davenport-hines, WSJ, "‘Those Wild Wyndhams’ Review: Gilded Captives of Their Time," 15 June 2018 Jessica Trentham confirmed the information in those texts, telling Agent Nash that Erin Corwin and Chris Lee had been having a torrid love affair for months -- ever since Chris learned of Erin's miscarriage. — Paul Larosa, CBS News, "Search for missing Marine wife "like finding a needle in a thousand haystacks”," 12 June 2018 Eliminate also the fact that Joyce Davenport, the public defender, is having a torrid affair with Furillo, and his ex-wife, Fay, hangs around the police station nagging him about alimony. — Fred Barbash, chicagotribune.com, "Steven Bochco: The old cop shows left us satisfied. 'Hill Street Blues' left us heartbroken.," 2 Apr. 2018 Eliminate also the fact that Joyce Davenport, the public defender, is having a torrid affair with Furillo, and his ex-wife, Fay, hangs around the police station nagging him about alimony. — The Washington Post, NOLA.com, "Steven Bochco, who forever changed TV, dies at 74," 2 Apr. 2018 While filming a Lifetime movie opposite Eddie Cibrian while the two were both married to other people started a torrid affair. — Diana Falzone, Fox News, "6 celebrity attention seekers," 8 Aug. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'torrid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.