fire
/ˈfaɪ.ɚ/
Frequency: 5.30 in modern English
Meaning
noun
A (usually self-sustaining) chemical reaction involving the bonding of oxygen with carbon or other fuel, with the production of heat and the presence of flame or smouldering.
Uncountable
noun
An instance of this chemical reaction, especially when intentionally created and maintained in a specific location to a useful end (such as a campfire or a hearth fire).
Countable
noun
The occurrence, often accidental, of fire in a certain place, causing damage and danger.
Countable
noun
The aforementioned chemical reaction of burning, considered one of the Classical elements or basic elements of alchemy.
Uncountable
noun
A heater or stove used in place of a real fire (such as an electric fire).
British usage; Countable
noun
A planned bombardment by artillery or similar weapons, or the capability to deliver such.
Countable
Example Sentences
- "But to me it was not despicable; I said, "Oh, you fire, I love you, you dainty pink creature, for you are beautiful—and that is enough!" and was going to gather it to my breast."
- "We sat about the fire singing songs and telling tales."
- "We toted in the wood and got the fire going nice and comfortable. Lord James still set in one of the chairs and Applegate had cabbaged the other and was hugging the stove."
- "There was a fire at the school last night and the whole place burned down."
- "During hot and dry summers many fires in forests are caused by regardlessly discarded cigarette butts."
- "The motive for the fires is still under investigation, and federal officials are looking into whether a hate crime was committed. Matthews is charged with three counts of simple arson on a religious building."
Etymology
Origin
Word Breakdown
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈfaɪ.ɚ/
- British English: /ˈfaɪ.ə/
Usage
Subject
Wiktionary places this term in Law.