in heat Definition

heat
noun

1. A form of energy that is stored as the energy of vibration or motion (kinetic energy) of the atoms or molecules of a material.
2. A high temperature; warmth; the state of being hot.

Thesaurus: warmth, fever, incandescence, sultriness, swelter, tepidity, torridness; Antonym: cold, frigidity, frost.
3. Hot weather.
4. Intensity of feeling, especially anger or excitement.

Example: the heat of the argument
Thesaurus: passion, ardour, fervour, intensity, agitation, excitement, vehemence, violence, zeal.
5. The most intense part.

Example: in the heat of the battle
6a. sport.
A preliminary race or contest which eliminates some competitors;
6b. sport.
A single section in a contest.
7. Oestrus, a period of sexual receptivity in some female mammals.
8. Redness of the skin, especially when sore, with a feeling of heat.

Example: prickly heat
9. colloq
Police investigation following a crime.
Example: The heat is on
(chiefly US)
10. colloq
Criticism or abuse.

verb, tr & intr heated, heating

1. To make or become hot or warm.

Thesaurus: warm up, toast, melt, oxidize, sear, chafe, incinerate; Antonym: chill, cool, freeze.
2. To make or become intense or excited.

Thesaurus: inflame, kindle, excite, animate, impassion, inspirit, rouse, stimulate; Antonym: dampen.

Idiom: in heat (on heat)

Said of some female mammals: ready to mate. See also oestrus.

Idiom: in the heat of the moment

Without pausing to think.

Idiom: take the heat out of something

To lessen the vehemence or acrimony of (a situation, etc).

Idiom: turn on the heat

colloq
To use brutal treatment in order to coerce.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon hætu.