Dictionary
heat
Pronunciation: (hēt), [key]—
n.
1. the state of a body perceived as having or generating a relatively high degree of warmth.
2. the condition or quality of being hot:
the heat of an oven.
3. the degree of hotness; temperature:
moderate heat.
4. the sensation of warmth or hotness:
unpleasant heat.
5. a bodily temperature higher than normal:
the heat of a fever; the feeling of heat caused by physical exertion.
6. added or external energy that causes a rise in temperature, expansion, evaporation, or other physical change.
7. Physics.a nonmechanical energy transfer with reference to a temperature difference between a system and its surroundings or between two parts of the same system.
Symbol: Q
8. a hot condition of the atmosphere or physical environment; hot season or weather.
9. a period of hot weather.
10. a sharp, pungent flavor, as that produced by strong spices.
11. warmth or intensity of feeling; vehemence; passion:
He spoke with much heat and at great length.
12. maximum intensity in an activity, condition, etc.; the height of any action, situation, or the like:
the heat of battle; the heat of passion.
13. extreme pressure, as of events, resulting in tension or strain:
In the heat of his hasty departure he forgot his keys.
14. a single intense effort; a sustained, concentrated, and continuous operation:
The painting was finished at a heat.
15. Slang.intensified pressure, esp. in a police investigation.
16. Slang.the police.
17. Slang.armed protection, esp. a pistol, revolver, or other firearm:
All guards carry some heat.
18. Sports.
a. a single course in or division of a race or other contest.
b. a race or other contest in which competitors attempt to qualify for entry in the final race or contest.
19. Metall.
a. a single operation of heating, as of metal in a furnace, in the treating and melting of metals.
b. a quantity of metal produced by such an operation.
20. Zool.
a. sexual receptiveness in animals, esp. females.
b. the period or duration of such receptiveness:
to be in heat.
—
v.t.
1. to make hot or warm (often fol. by
up).
2. to excite emotionally; inflame or rouse with passion.
—
v.i.
1. to become hot or warm (often fol. by
up).
2. to become excited emotionally.
3. heat up, to increase or become more active or intense:
Business competition will heat up toward the end of the year. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
