Definitions for the word "heat" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. n.
A force in nature which is recognized in various effects, but especially in the phenomena of fusion and evaporation, and which, as manifested in fire, the sun's rays, mechanical action, chemical combination, etc., becomes directly known to us through the sense of feeling. In its nature heat is a mode if motion, being in general a form of molecular disturbance or vibration. It was formerly supposed to be a subtile, imponderable fluid, to which was given the name caloric.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
The sensation caused by the force or influence of heat when excessive, or above that which is normal to the human body; the bodily feeling experienced on exposure to fire, the sun's rays, etc.; the reverse of cold.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
High temperature, as distinguished from low temperature, or cold; as, the heat of summer and the cold of winter; heat of the skin or body in fever, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
Indication of high temperature; appearance, condition, or color of a body, as indicating its temperature; redness; high color; flush; degree of temperature to which something is heated, as indicated by appearance, condition, or otherwise.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
A single complete operation of heating, as at a forge or in a furnace; as, to make a horseshoe in a certain number of heats.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
A violent action unintermitted; a single effort; a single course in a race that consists of two or more courses; as, he won two heats out of three.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
Utmost violence; rage; vehemence; as, the heat of battle or party.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. n.
Agitation of mind; inflammation or excitement; exasperation.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. n.
Animation, as in discourse; ardor; fervency.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
Sexual excitement in animals.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. n.
Fermentation.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. v. t.
To make hot; to communicate heat to, or cause to grow warm; as, to heat an oven or furnace, an iron, or the like.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. v. t.
To excite or make hot by action or emotion; to make feverish.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. v. t.
To excite ardor in; to rouse to action; to excite to excess; to inflame, as the passions.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. v. i.
To grow warm or hot by the action of fire or friction, etc., or the communication of heat; as, the iron or the water heats slowly.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. v. i.
To grow warm or hot by fermentation, or the development of heat by chemical action; as, green hay heats in a mow, and manure in the dunghill.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
17. imp. & p. p.
Heated; as, the iron though heat red-hot.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
18. n.
1 condition of being hot. 2 physics form of energy arising from the motion of bodies'' molecules. 3 hot weather. 4 warmth of feeling; anger or excitement. 5 (foll. By of) most intense part or period of activity (heat of battle). 6 (usu. Preliminary or trial) round in a race etc. v. 1 make or become hot or warm. 2 inflame. on heat (of mammals, esp. Females) sexually receptive. [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
19. n.
1 condition of being hot. 2 physics form of energy arising from the motion of bodies'' molecules. 3 hot weather. 4 warmth of feeling; anger or excitement. 5 (foll. By of) most intense part or period of activity (heat of battle). 6 (usu. Preliminary or trial) round in a race etc. v. 1 make or become hot or warm. 2 inflame. on heat (of mammals, esp.
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
20. slang
a bout, or turn, in horse or foot racing. By means of heats the
field is gradually reduced.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
Dictionary entries nearby:
Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "heat" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and
contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "heat" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history.
The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.
Important Notes
The definitions for words, phrases and slang (such as "heat") in this dictionary are sourced from multiple sources - including sources historical in nature. The sources may contain outdated, inaccurate or even offensive information when viewed from a modern context. It is important to consider the date the dictionary was published and view such content from a historical perspective and consider that the meanings, interpretations and usage of words may have evolved over time. Users should cross-reference this information with contemporary sources for a more complete understanding.
This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by any brands mentioned on the page. Trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.