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Calorie Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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calorie

[หˆkalษ™ri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

nutrition

A unit of energy in food. This unit is used to measure the energy value of different foods. The number of calories in a food product indicates how much energy it provides when consumed. Consuming more calories than the body needs can lead to weight gain.

Examples of usage

  • An apple contains approximately 95 calories.
  • One pound of body fat is equivalent to about 3500 calories.
  • Reducing calorie intake can help with weight loss.
  • A diet low in calories can be beneficial for overall health.
  • Eating foods high in calories can contribute to obesity.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • There are two types of calories: small calories (cal) and large calories (kcal), with 1 kcal being equivalent to 1,000 small calories.
  • The human body needs a specific number of calories each day to function properly, which can vary based on age, activity level, and metabolism.

Nutrition

  • Different foods provide different amounts of calories; fats provide more than carbohydrates and proteins.
  • Caloric balance is crucial for maintaining weight: consuming more calories than you burn leads to weight gain, while burning more than you consume leads to weight loss.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of counting calories gained popularity in the 1930s and is often featured in diet and fitness regimens today.
  • Calorie counts on food labels have become standard in many countries, helping consumers make informed dietary choices.

Health

  • An understanding of calories is key in addressing obesity, as it helps people manage their food intake.
  • In recent years, there has been a shift to focus not only on calories but also on the quality of the food, advocating for nutritious, whole foods over processed options.

Origin of 'calorie'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'calorie' comes from the Latin word 'calor' which means heat, highlighting its role in energy.
  • It was first defined in the early 19th century by French physicist Nicolas Clรฉment as the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius.

The word 'calorie' comes from the Latin word 'calor', meaning heat. The concept of the calorie as a unit of energy in food was first proposed by Nicolas Clรฉment in the early 19th century. It was later refined by Wilbur Olin Atwater in the late 19th century. The measurement of calories in food plays a crucial role in nutrition and dietetics, helping people make informed choices about their food consumption.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,025, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.