Heat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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heat

[hiːt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

temperature

The quality of being hot; high temperature.

Synonyms

hotness, temperature, warmth.

Examples of usage

  • The heat of the sun can be unbearable in the summer.
  • She turned up the heat to warm the room.
Context #2 | Verb

make hot or warm

Make or become hot or warm.

Synonyms

heat up, make hot, warm up.

Examples of usage

  • She heated the water before adding the tea leaves.
  • The room quickly heated up with the radiator on.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Scientific Definition

  • Heat is energy that comes from the movement of tiny particles in matter. The faster they move, the hotter something gets.
  • Heat can move from one object to another, making something cold warmer or keeping something warm cold, like ice in a warm drink.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures have festivals that celebrate the warmth of summer, like the Solstice celebrations.
  • In cooking, heat can transform ingredients, making them safe to eat and enhancing flavors.

Environmental Impact

  • Rising global temperatures due to climate change is a major issue related to heat, affecting weather patterns.
  • Heat islands form in cities where buildings and roads absorb and re-emit the sun's heat, causing urban areas to be significantly warmer.

Psychology

  • Research shows that warmer environments can enhance mood and promote social interaction, as opposed to colder settings.
  • Heat can affect our physical and mental performance; extreme heat can lead to fatigue or irritability.

Origin of 'heat'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'heat' comes from the Old English 'hætu', meaning 'warmth'.
  • It is related to the German word 'Hitze', which also means 'warmth' or 'heat'.

The word 'heat' originated from the Old English word 'hǣtu', which is related to the Old High German 'heiza' and the Gothic 'haita'. The concept of heat has been recognized since ancient times, with the Greeks and Romans having various beliefs about the nature of heat. In modern times, heat is understood as a form of energy associated with the motion of atoms and molecules.


See also: heated, heater, heating, heatwave.

Word Frequency Rank

At #791 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.