heat

The feeling or condition of being hot.

• The heat made us tired.
• We stayed indoors to escape the afternoon heat.
• This thick coat keeps the heat in.

Similar words: warmth, hotness

Opposites: cold

Common phrases: summer heat, intense heat, escape the heat

Energy that moves from something warmer to something cooler and can raise its temperature.

• The reaction releases heat.
• Metal carries heat away from the engine.
• We measured the heat transferred to the water.

Similar words: thermal energy

Common phrases: heat transfer, release heat, absorb heat

The burning feeling in your mouth caused by food containing strong spices.

• The sauce has plenty of heat.
• A little yogurt softens the heat of the curry.
• These peppers add flavor without too much heat.

Similar words: spiciness

Common phrases: add heat, chili heat, heat of something

To make something warmer or hot.

• Heat the milk gently.
• We heated the leftovers in the microwave.
• Can this small stove heat the whole room?

How to use it: heat something up (I’ll heat the soup up for lunch.); heat something to a temperature (Heat the oven to 180 degrees.)

Similar words: warm, warm up

Opposites: cool, chill

Common phrases: heat something up, heat the water, heat a room

To become warmer or hot.

• The water is heating slowly.
• Dark surfaces heat up quickly in sunshine.
• Did the soup heat evenly in that pan?

How to use it: heat up (The engine heats up after a few minutes.)

Similar words: warm, warm up

Opposites: cool

Common phrases: heat up, heat slowly, heat evenly