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flame definition

flame (flām)

noun

  1. the burning gas or vapor of a fire, seen as a flickering light of various colors; blaze
  2. a tongue of light rising from a fire
  3. the state of burning with a blaze of light to burst into flame
    1. a thing like a flame in heat, brilliance, etc.
    2. brilliance or bright coloring
  4. an intense emotion; strong passion
  5. Informal a personal attack, harsh criticism, etc., specif. when communicated by e-mail
  6. 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

  1. to burn with a blaze of light; burst into flame
  2. to light up with color as if blazing; grow red or hot a face flaming with anger
  3. to show intense emotion; become very excited

Etymology: ME flammen < OFr flamer < L flammare

transitive verb

  1. Now Rare to burn or heat with flame
  2. to treat with flame
  3. Informal to attack or harshly criticize, as by e-mail
  4. Cooking to douse with alcoholic liquor and set afire flame the roast with brandy
flame Idioms

flame out

to experience a flameout

in flames

burning; on fire

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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