flame
flame (flām)
noun
- the burning gas or vapor of a fire, seen as a flickering light of various colors; blaze
- a tongue of light rising from a fire
- the state of burning with a blaze of light to burst into flame
- a thing like a flame in heat, brilliance, etc.
- brilliance or bright coloring
- an intense emotion; strong passion
- Informal a personal attack, harsh criticism, etc., specif. when communicated by e-mail
- a sweetheart
Etymology: ME < OFr flamme (< L flamma) & flambe < L flammula, dim. of flamma < base of flagrare, to burn: see flagrant
intransitive verb flamed, flaming flam′·ing
- to burn with a blaze of light; burst into flame
- to light up with color as if blazing; grow red or hot a face flaming with anger
- to show intense emotion; become very excited
Etymology: ME flammen < OFr flamer < L flammare
transitive verb
- Now Rare to burn or heat with flame
- to treat with flame
- Informal to attack or harshly criticize, as by e-mail
- Cooking to douse with alcoholic liquor and set afire flame the roast with brandy
flame out
in flames
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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