flame

flame [flām]

n.

[ME < OFr flamme (< L flamma) & flambe < L flammula, dim. of flamma < base of flagrare, to burn: see FLAGRANT]

1. the burning gas or vapor of a fire, seen as a flickering light of various colors; blaze

2. a tongue of light rising from a fire

3. the state of burning with a blaze of light [to burst into flame]

4.

a) a thing like a flame in heat, brilliance, etc.

b) brilliance or bright coloring

5. an intense emotion; strong passion

6. Informal a personal attack, harsh criticism, etc., specif. when communicated by e-mail

7. a sweetheart

vi.

flamed, flaming [ME flammen < OFr flamer < L flammare]

1. to burn with a blaze of light; burst into flame

2. to light up with color as if blazing; grow red or hot [a face flaming with anger]

3. to show intense emotion; become very excited

vt.

1. Now Rare to burn or heat with flame

2. to treat with flame

3. Informal to attack or harshly criticize, as by e-mail

4. Cooking to douse with alcoholic liquor and set afire [flame the roast with brandy]

SYN.- BLAZE¹

——————

flame out

to experience a flameout

——————

in flames

burning; on fire