Heat

English Meaning

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 of 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.

1. A form of energy associated with the motion of atoms or molecules and capable of being transmitted through solid and fluid media by conduction, through fluid media by convection, and through empty space by radiation.
2. The transfer of energy from one body to another as a result of a difference in temperature or a change in phase.
3. Physics The sensation or perception of such energy as warmth or hotness.
4. Physics An abnormally high bodily temperature, as from a fever.
5. The condition of being hot.
6. A degree of warmth or hotness: The burner was on low heat.
7. The warming of a room or building by a furnace or another source of energy: The house was cheap to rent, but the heat was expensive.
8. A furnace or other source of warmth in a room or building: The heat was on when we returned from work.
9. Physics A hot season; a spell of hot weather.
10. Intensity, as of passion, emotion, color, appearance, or effect.
11. The most intense or active stage: the heat of battle.
12. A burning sensation in the mouth produced by spicy flavoring in food.
13. Physics Estrus.
14. Physics One of a series of efforts or attempts.
15. Sports & Games One round of several in a competition, such as a race.
16. A preliminary contest held to determine finalists.
17. Informal Physics Pressure; stress.
18. Slang An intensification of police activity in pursuing criminals.
19. Slang The police. Used with the.
20. Slang Physics Adverse comments or hostile criticism: Heat from the press forced the senator to resign.
21. Slang Physics A firearm, especially a pistol.
22. To make warm or hot.
23. To excite the feelings of; inflame.
24. To increase the molecular or kinetic energy of (an object).
25. To become warm or hot.
26. To become excited emotionally or intellectually.
27. heat up Informal To become acute or intense: "If inflation heats up, interest rates could increase” ( Christian Science Monitor).