Flame

Pronunciation

• enPR: flām, IPA: /fleɪm/
• Rhymes: -eɪm

Origin

Middle English flaume, flaumbe, blend of Anglo-Norman flame and flambe, flamble, the first from Latin flamma, the second from Latin flammula, diminutive of flamma, both from pre-Latin *fladma; akin to Old English glēd ("ember"); ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *bʰlē- ("to shimmer, gleam, shine").

Noun

1. The visible part of fire; a stream of burning vapour or gas, emitting light and heat.
• 1907, w, The Younger Set Chapter 3, Long after his cigar burnt bitter, he sat with eyes fixed on the blaze. When the flames at last began to flicker and subside, his lids fluttered, then drooped ; … .
• 2013, Henry Petroski, Geothermal Energy, Energy has seldom been found where we need it when we want it. Ancient nomads, wishing to ward off the evening chill and enjoy a meal around a campfire, had to collect wood and then spend time and effort coaxing the heat of friction out from between sticks to kindle a flame.
2. A romantic partner or lover in a usually short-lived but passionate affair.
3. (Internet) Intentionally insulting criticism or remark meant to incite anger.
4. A brilliant reddish orange-gold fiery colour.
5. (music, chiefly lutherie) The contrasting light and dark figure seen in wood used for stringed instrument making; the curl.
   The cello has a two-piece back with a beautiful narrow flame.
6. Burning zeal, passion, imagination, excitement, or anger.
• John Miltonin a flame of zeal severe
• Alexander Popewhere flames refin'd in breasts seraphic glow

Derived terms

Related terms

Related terms

Full definition of flame

Verb

1. To produce flames; to burn with a flame or blaze.
• ShakespeareThe main blaze of it is past, but a small thing would make it flame again.
2. To burst forth like flame; to break out in violence of passion; to be kindled with zeal or ardour.
• MacaulayHe flamed with indignation.
3. (Internet, ambitransitive) To post a destructively critical or abusive message (to somebody).I flamed him for spamming in my favourite newsgroup.

Derived terms

• flamer
• flaming

Related terms

• flambé

Adjective

1. Of a brilliant reddish orange-gold colour, like that of a flame.

Anagrams

• fleam