Word of the Day: Heat
heat
heat / hēt
noun
1. a form of energy, derived from the motion of atoms or molecules, that can be transmitted through solid and liquid substances
The same heat that melts wax, bakes clay.
French Proverb
2. the feeling of warmth or of something hot
The moon gives us light but no heat.
Russian Proverb
3. the measure of warmth or hotness
Most of the time, I grill over high heat.
Bobby Flay, 1964 –
4. a source of thermal energy that causes something, such as a room or a pot on a stove, to become warm or hot
When the water starts boiling it is foolish to turn off the heat.
Nelson Mandela, 1918 – 2013
5. hot weather or a time of hot weather
When the heat has past, you forget about the shade tree.
Japanese Proverb
6. the degree of sharp, biting spiciness
The dish is known for being spicy, but it’s easy to control how much heat you add to the dish.
“Shrimp Fra Diavolo”, Kris Longwell, May 12, 2020, https://howtofeedaloon.com/shrimp-fra-diavolo/
7. intensity of emotion; passion
Wine stimulates the mind and makes it quick with heat; care flees and is dissolved in much drink.
Ovid, 43 BC – 1 BC
8. the most intense part of an activity or condition
In the heat of battle, heroes emerge, sometimes from the most unlikely of sources.
Brian Herbert, 1947 –
9. a preliminary round of competition used to eliminate contestants, while the winners move to a higher level of competition
Only three, who were all to run in the finals, started in the first heat.
From ‘The Athletic Sports, 1881’ “The Marlburian”, Vol XVI No. 259, April 7, 1881
10. pressure causing strain or distress; stress; tension
It’s all false pressure; you put the heat on yourself, you get it from the networks and record companies and movie studios.
John Belushi, 1949 – 1982
11. a period of heightened sexual excitement in animals; estrus
Some animals (e.g., dogs) are monestrous, having only one heat during a breeding season. Others (e.g., ground squirrels) are polyestrous: if not impregnated, they will come into heat repeatedly during the breeding season.
From ‘Estrus’, “Encyclopædia Britannica” August 9, 2019, https://www.britannica.com/science/estrus
12. (slang) pressure applied to force one to do something
When you can’t make them see the light, make them feel the heat.
Ronald Reagan, 1911 – 2004
13. (slang) the police
Joe-Joe and I did a job over on Grand this afternoon and the heat is out looking for us.
From “Chasing the Golden Butterfly” by Phyllis Jean Robinson, ? –
14. (slang) heightened police activity
Hammerhead took care of his mark and is now lying low until the heat dies down.
From “The Team X Project” by Ezequiel Escamilla, ? –
15. (slang) unfriendly criticism or a hostile remark
The wise coach takes all the heat when his players lose, and gives them all the credit when they win.
John Kessel, 1950 –
16. (slang) a pistol or other firearm
I’ll just feel safer if I’m packing heat.
Dr. Niles Crane character on the television show “Frasier”, 1995 Episode “She’s the Boss”
verb
1. to raise the temperature, to make warmer
If you heat an empty pot it bursts.
German Proverb
2. to become warmer or hot (heated up)
Once we are fed, heated, housed and healthy, our extra consumption inevitably has an element of luxury about it.
Evan Davis, 1962 –
3. to become or to cause to become more emotionally or intellectually stimulated or deeply felt
Absence does not make the heart grow fonder, but it sure heats up the blood.
Elizabeth Ashley, 1939 –
4. to become more intense
Hostile attitudes only serve to heat up the situation, whereas a true sense of respect gradually cools down what otherwise could become explosive.
From “The Path to Tranquility” by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, 1935 –
