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Scalding: meaning, definitions and examples

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scalding

 

[ˈskɔːldɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

hot temperature

Extremely hot; burning

Synonyms

burning, roasting, searing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scalding

Use when referring to extremely hot liquids or steam that can cause burns upon contact.

  • Be careful with the scalding water from the kettle.
  • The scalding steam from the pot burned her hand.
burning

Used in a range of scenarios to describe very high temperatures capable of causing damage, including fires and hot surfaces.

  • He touched the burning stove and got a blister.
  • The building was burning when the firefighters arrived.
roasting

Primarily used for describing cooking at high temperatures, especially when referring to meat or vegetables in an oven. Sometimes used informally to describe extreme heat, often humorously.

  • She is roasting a chicken for dinner.
  • It's roasting outside today – must be over 100 degrees!
searing

Typically used to describe cooking meat at very high heat to create a caramelized crust. Also used metaphorically to describe intense heat or pain.

  • The chef is searing the steak to perfection.
  • The searing heat of the desert was almost unbearable.

Examples of usage

  • The scalding water burned his hand.
  • The scalding sun beat down on the hikers.
Context #2 | Noun

injury

A burn or injury caused by hot liquid or steam

Synonyms

burn, injury, wound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scalding

Use 'scalding' when referring to burns caused by hot liquids or steam. It generally applies to less severe burns compared to other types.

  • He got a scalding burn from accidentally spilling hot coffee on his hand
burn

Use 'burn' for general situations where skin or other materials are damaged by heat, fire, chemicals, radiation, or electricity. It can vary in severity from mild to severe.

  • She suffered a burn after touching the hot stove
wound

Use 'wound' to describe a specific type of injury where there is a break in the skin, often caused by a cut, puncture, or laceration. This term usually implies that the skin is open and the tissue is damaged.

  • The soldier had a deep wound on his leg that needed immediate medical attention
injury

Use 'injury' in a broader sense for any kind of physical harm or damage to the body, which may include cuts, bruises, fractures, or burns.

  • He had to go to the emergency room due to a serious injury from the car accident

Examples of usage

  • She suffered a scalding from the boiling water.
  • The scalding on his arm required medical attention.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old French 'escald', which means to burn or to scorch.
  • It is related to the Latin word 'calere', meaning 'to be hot', indicating heat and burning.
  • The term has been in use since the 14th century, evolving in context to describe both literal and metaphorical heat.

Science

  • Water boils at 100°C (212°F) at sea level and can cause scalding injuries very quickly upon contact with skin.
  • Scalding is one of the leading causes of burn injuries, especially in children who may accidentally spill hot liquids.
  • Research indicates that the intensity of a scalding burn can depend on both the temperature of the liquid and the duration of contact.

Literature

  • In literature, scalding is often used metaphorically to describe intense emotions, such as love or anger, that can 'burn' a person.
  • Authors like Charles Dickens used the concept of scalding in their works to depict both physical pain and emotional turmoil.
  • The imagery of scalding is prevalent in poetry, symbolizing passions that can overwhelm a character's senses.

Health and Safety

  • First aid for scalds involves cooling the affected area with cool (not cold) water for 10–20 minutes to reduce damage.
  • Educational campaigns on kitchen safety often highlight the risks of scalding, especially in households with young children.
  • Scald injuries can result in long-term skin damage and may require extensive medical treatment depending on severity.

Cultural References

  • In some cultures, phrases like 'scalding tea' symbolize hospitality and the warmth of a welcoming home.
  • Scalding is referenced in various culinary practices, such as preparing certain teas or sauces where water is heated to precise temperatures.
  • Famous movies and books often use the concept of ‘scalding’ as a form of dramatic conflict, representing both physical and emotional struggles.

Translations

Translations of the word "scalding" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escaldante

🇮🇳 उबलता हुआ

🇩🇪 siedend

🇮🇩 mendidih

🇺🇦 обпалюючий

🇵🇱 wrzący

🇯🇵 沸騰する

🇫🇷 bouillant

🇪🇸 hirviente

🇹🇷 kaynar

🇰🇷 끓는

🇸🇦 مغلي

🇨🇿 vařící

🇸🇰 vriaci

🇨🇳 沸腾的

🇸🇮 vrelo

🇮🇸 sjóðandi

🇰🇿 қайнап тұрған

🇬🇪 მდუღარე

🇦🇿 qaynayan

🇲🇽 hirviente

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,240, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.