/ Dictionary / Index B boil: Meaning and Definition of Find definitions for: boil Pronunciation: (boil), [key] — v.i. to change from a liquid to a gaseous state, producing bubbles of gas that rise to the surface of the liquid, agitating it as they rise. to reach or be brought to the boiling point: When the water boils, add the meat and cabbage. to be in an agitated or violent state: The sea boiled in the storm. to be deeply stirred or upset. to contain, or be contained in, a liquid that boils: The kettle is boiling. The vegetables are boiling. —v.t. to cause to boil or to bring to the boiling point: Boil two cups of water. to cook (something) in boiling water: to boil eggs. to separate (sugar, salt, etc.) from a solution containing it by boiling off the liquid. It all boils down to a clear case of murder. to reduce the quantity of by boiling off liquid. to shorten; abridge. to be simplifiable or summarizable as; lead to the conclusion that; point:It all boils down to a clear case of murder. to degum (silk). to remove (sizing, wax, impurities, or the like) from a fabric by subjecting it to a hot scouring solution. Also,boil out. Any mention of the incident makes her boil over. to overflow while boiling or as if while boiling; burst forth; erupt. to be unable to repress anger, excitement, etc.:Any mention of the incident makes her boil over. —n. the act or an instance of boiling. the state or condition of boiling: He brought a kettle of water to a boil. an area of agitated, swirling, bubbling water, as part of a rapids. Also calledan unwanted flow of water and solid matter into an excavation, due to excessive outside water pressure. boil Pronunciation: (boil), [key] — n. Pathol. a painful, circumscribed inflammation of the skin or a hair follicle, having a dead, suppurating inner core: usually caused by a staphylococcal infection. Also called Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease. See also: boil (Thesaurus) Boieldieu boilable Related Content Daily Word Quiz: paradox Analogy of the Day: Today’s Analogy Spelling Bee: Today’s Spelling Bee Frequently Misspelled Words Frequently Mispronounced Words Easily Confused Words Writing & Language