Caloric Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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caloric

[kəˈlɒrɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

diet

Relating to the heat of the body or the energy produced by food during digestion.

Synonyms

calorific, energetic, nutritious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
caloric	Used when discussing the number of calories in food or the heat energy it can provide. Often in nutritional or scientific contexts. The caloric content of this dessert is quite high. Scientists measure the caloric energy released by burning different substances.
calorific	Similar to 'caloric,' but more common in British English. Used to describe the energy-giving properties of food. The calorific value of junk food is usually very high. For athletes, maintaining a diet with a high calorific intake is essential.
energetic	Used to describe someone who is active, lively, and full of energy. Not typically used to describe food or calories. The children were very energetic after eating the candy. She is known for her energetic performances on stage.
nutritious	Describes food that is healthy and contains good nutrients. Often used when emphasizing health benefits. Eating a nutritious breakfast is important to start your day right. The salad was both delicious and nutritious.

Examples of usage

The dietitian calculated the caloric intake needed to maintain a healthy weight.
Many people are counting calories to control their caloric consumption.
She always checks the caloric content of the food before eating it.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

nutrition

A unit of energy-producing potential equal to the amount of heat that is produced when food is burned in the body.

Synonyms

energy, fuel, kilocalorie.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
caloric	Use 'caloric' when talking about the amount of energy in food, especially in a dietary or nutritional context. She follows a low-caloric diet. Caloric intake varies depending on age and activity level.
energy	Use 'energy' in a general sense to refer to the power obtained from food and used by the body, or in a broader sense like electricity, fuel, etc. Bananas provide a quick source of energy. The body converts food into energy.
fuel	Use 'fuel' usually when talking about substances that are burned to produce energy or in a metaphorical sense to mean something that sustains or drives another process. Gasoline is a common type of fuel. She used criticism as fuel for her determination.
kilocalorie	Use 'kilocalorie' in scientific, nutritional, or medical contexts to precisely measure the amount of energy food provides. It is often abbreviated as 'kcal.' A large apple contains about 52 kilocalories. The diet plan limits daily intake to 2000 kilocalories.

Examples of usage

The nutrition label on the food package shows the number of calories per serving.
Reducing caloric intake is often recommended for weight loss.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

Calories are measured in kilocalories, where one kilocalorie equals 1,000 small calories, commonly referred to as just 'calories.'
The body needs a certain amount of calories daily to maintain basic functions, which varies by age, gender, and activity level.
Different types of food provide varying caloric contents; for instance, fats have more than double the calories per gram compared to proteins and carbohydrates.

Nutrition

Understanding caloric intake is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight, since consuming too many can lead to obesity.
Not all calories are equal; foods rich in nutrients, like fruits and vegetables, provide better energy than sugary or processed foods.
Balanced diets focus on calorie sources while ensuring the right vitamins and minerals are also consumed.

Culture

In recent years, many restaurants and food packaging have begun displaying caloric content to promote awareness of dietary intake.
Diet trends often emphasize calorie counting as a method to control weight or achieve health goals, reflecting cultural attitudes towards food and body image.
Social media has popularized calorie tracking apps, influencing modern eating habits and personal health tracking.

Health

Excessive caloric intake without sufficient physical activity can lead to serious health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease.
Conversely, too few calories can cause malnutrition and energy deficiency, impacting physical and mental health.
Experts suggest focusing on the quality of calories consumed rather than just the quantity for optimal health.

Origin of 'caloric'

Main points about word origin

The term 'caloric' comes from the Latin word 'calor,' meaning heat, which reflects its connection to energy.
In the late 18th century, the word began to be used scientifically to describe the heat released from food.
The concept evolved as scientists developed better ways to measure energy in foods, leading to the calorie as a unit.

The word 'caloric' originated in the late 18th century from the French word 'calorique', which is derived from the Latin 'calor' meaning heat. It was initially used in the context of the caloric theory of heat, which posited that heat is a self-repellent fluid that flows from hotter to colder bodies. Over time, the term 'caloric' came to be associated with the measurement of energy in food and nutrition.