heat

heat [hēt]

n.

[ME hete < OE hætu < base of hat (see HOT), akin to Ger heiss < IE base * kai-, heat]

1. the quality of being hot; hotness: in physics, heat is considered a form of energy existing as the result of the random motion of molecules and is the form of energy that is transferred between bodies as a result of their temperature difference

2.

a) much hotness; great warmth [stifling heat]

b) FEVER

3. degree of hotness or warmth [at low heat]

4. the perception of heat by the senses, resulting from contact with or nearness to something hot; sensation of hotness or warmth felt through the skin

5. hot weather or climate

6. the warming of a room, house, etc., as by a stove or furnace [his rent includes heat]

7. a burning sensation produced by spices, mustard, etc.

8. color or other appearance as an indication of hotness [blue heat in metals]

9. strong feeling or emotion; excitement, ardor, anger, zeal, etc.

10. the period or condition of excitement, intensity, stress, etc.; most violent or intense point or stage [in the heat of battle]

11. a single effort, round, bout, or trial; esp., any of the preliminary rounds of a race, etc., the winners of which compete in the final round

12.

a) sexual excitement

b) the period of sexual excitement in animals; esp., the estrus of females

☆ 13. Slang

a) coercion, as by intimidation

b) great pressure, as in criminal investigation or law enforcement

c) the police

d) a pistol [Slang]

14. BaseballBaseball Slang pitches thrown with great velocity

15. Metallurgy

a) a single heating of metal, ore, etc. in a furnace or forge

b) the amount processed in a single heating

vt., vi.

1. to make or become warm or hot

2. to make or become excited; inflame or become inflamed