A force in nature which is recognized in various effects, but
especially in the phenomena of fusion and evaporation, and which, as
manifested in fire, the sun's rays, mechanical action, chemical
combination, etc., becomes directly known to us through the sense of
feeling. In its nature heat is a mode of motion, being in general a
form of molecular disturbance or vibration. It was formerly supposed
to be a subtile, imponderable fluid, to which was given the name
caloric.
The sensation caused by the force or
influence of heat when excessive, or above that which is normal to
the human body; the bodily feeling experienced on exposure to fire,
the sun's rays, etc.; the reverse of cold.
High temperature, as distinguished from
low temperature, or cold; as, the heat of summer and the cold
of winter; heat of the skin or body in fever, etc.
Indication of high temperature;
appearance, condition, or color of a body, as indicating its
temperature; redness; high color; flush; degree of temperature to
which something is heated, as indicated by appearance, condition, or
otherwise.
A single complete operation of heating, as
at a forge or in a furnace; as, to make a horseshoe in a certain
number of heats.
A violent action unintermitted; a single
effort; a single course in a race that consists of two or more
courses; as, he won two heats out of three.
Utmost violence; rage; vehemence; as, the
heat of battle or party.
Agitation of mind; inflammation or
excitement; exasperation.
Animation, as in discourse; ardor;
fervency.
Sexual excitement in animals.
Fermentation.
In celebration of Noah Webster's Birthday (October 16, 2009), we have prepared an updated website. 
t hot; akin to OHG. heizi heat, Dan.
hede, Sw. hetta. See Hot.]
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