adj
thermal
THUR-muhl
adj
1
Relating to heat or temperature.
"The factory uses thermal energy from burning coal."
"Thermal imaging cameras detect heat signatures in the dark."
2
Designed to retain body heat.
"She wore thermal underwear for the winter hike."
noun
1
A rising column of warm air, used by birds and glider pilots to gain height.
"The eagle circled inside a thermal to climb without flapping its wings."
How to Use Thermal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRelating to heat, or something (like clothing) built to keep you warm.
Common pairings
thermal imaging
thermal underwear
catch a thermal
Word Forms
thermaled past tense, thermalled past tense, thermals plural, thermals singular
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The factory uses _____ energy from burning coal.
Etymology
From French thermal, ultimately from Greek therme ("heat").