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Definition heat in British English

heat noun

noun
/hiːt/
1

the quality of being hot, or the degree to which something is hot

Example

These paints can withstand heat up to 200 degrees.

Example

The firefighters were driven back by the intense heat and smoke.

Example

He could feel the heat of the sun on his back.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

relating to heat

Example

insulation to prevent heat loss

Example

the heat haze shimmering over the sands

Synonyms and related words
1.2

very hot weather

Example

They were unable to work in the blistering heat.

Example

The local people get out of the city to escape the summer heat.

Example

Only tourists were wandering about in the heat of the day.

Synonyms and related words
1.3

the amount of heat produced by an oven or a heating system

Example

Bring the mixture to the boil; then reduce the heat.

Example

I turned the heat down a little.

Synonyms and related words
1.4

the place where the heat in an oven or on a hob comes from

Example

Take the pan off the heat.

Synonyms and related words
2

the energy that is produced when the temperature of something changes

Example

These chemical processes generate a lot of heat.

Synonyms and related words
3

the heating system in a building

Example

The cottage had no heat or water.

Synonyms and related words
Example

He felt the heat of my glare.

Example

Professional counselling is one way of taking the heat out of getting a divorce.

Synonyms and related words
5

a game or race at the start of a competition. The winners of the heats then compete against each other at the next stage

Example

the second heat of the 800 metres

Synonyms and related words
6

pressure and criticism intended to force someone to do what you want

Example

Many producers are beginning to feel the heat from their larger customers.

Example

We need to keep the heat on.

Synonyms and related words
Definition heat in British English