heat: Meaning and Definition of

heat

1. the state of a body perceived as having or generating a relatively high degree of warmth.
2. the condition or quality of being hot: the heat of an oven.
3. the degree of hotness; temperature: moderate heat.
4. the sensation of warmth or hotness: unpleasant heat.
5. a bodily temperature higher than normal: the heat of a fever; the feeling of heat caused by physical exertion.
6. added or external energy that causes a rise in temperature, expansion, evaporation, or other physical change.
7. a nonmechanical energy transfer with reference to a temperature difference between a system and its surroundings or between two parts of the same system. Symbol: Q
8. a hot condition of the atmosphere or physical environment; hot season or weather.
9. a period of hot weather.
10. a sharp, pungent flavor, as that produced by strong spices.
11. warmth or intensity of feeling; vehemence; passion: He spoke with much heat and at great length.
12. maximum intensity in an activity, condition, etc.; the height of any action, situation, or the like: the heat of battle; the heat of passion.
13. extreme pressure, as of events, resulting in tension or strain: In the heat of his hasty departure he forgot his keys.
14. a single intense effort; a sustained, concentrated, and continuous operation: The painting was finished at a heat.
15. intensified pressure, esp. in a police investigation.
16. the police.
17. armed protection, esp. a pistol, revolver, or other firearm: All guards carry some heat.
1. a single course in or division of a race or other contest.
2. a race or other contest in which competitors attempt to qualify for entry in the final race or contest.
1. a single operation of heating, as of metal in a furnace, in the treating and melting of metals.
2. a quantity of metal produced by such an operation.
20. to be in heat.
1. sexual receptiveness in animals, esp. females.
2. the period or duration of such receptiveness:to be in heat.

1. to make hot or warm (often fol. by up).
2. to excite emotionally; inflame or rouse with passion.

1. to become hot or warm (often fol. by up).
2. to become excited emotionally.
3. to increase or become more active or intense: Business competition will heat up toward the end of the year.