heat
heat Lexical Profile
heat Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The quality of being hot or having a high temperature; thermal energy transferred from a warmer body to a cooler one.
"The desert sun radiated intense heat across the sand dunes."
Great intensity of feeling, especially anger, passion, or excitement.
"He regretted the harsh words spoken in the heat of the argument."
A preliminary round in a sporting race or competition whose winners advance to subsequent stages or the final.
"She finished second in her qualifying heat and advanced to the semifinals."
The pungent, spicy sensation produced by capsaicin or similar compounds in chili peppers and seasoned foods.
"Adding a single habanero pepper gave the salsa plenty of heat."
The receptive period of the sexual cycle in female mammals; estrus.
"The veterinarian noted that the female dog was coming into heat."
• verb
To make or become hot or warm.
"Please heat the soup on the stove for five minutes before serving."
To cause a discussion, situation, or person to become intense, passionate, or agitated.
"The controversial proposal quickly heated the debate among the committee members."
• Rhymes for heat
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English hætu, derived from Proto-Germanic *haitin, which shares the same root as the adjective 'hot'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.