adj
Common
thermal
THUR-muhl
Thermal (adj) means relating to heat or temperature. Example: “The thermal properties of this metal make it ideal for cooking pans.”
adj
1
Relating to heat or temperature.
"The thermal properties of this metal make it ideal for cooking pans."
"The factory uses thermal energy from burning coal."
"Thermal imaging cameras detect heat signatures in the dark."
2
Designed to retain body heat.
"I bought a thermal vest to wear under my jumper."
"Thermal socks kept his feet warm during the long, cold walk."
"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.
"Glider pilots search the hills for a thermal to stay in the air."
"Buzzards drifted upwards on a thermal above the sunny field."
"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
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Word forms
- Plural
- thermals
- Third person singular
- thermals
- Past tense
- thermaled, thermalled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ properties of this metal make it ideal for cooking pans.
Etymology
From French thermal, ultimately from Greek therme ("heat").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
nonthermal
Related words
Rhymes for thermal
See all rhymes for thermal →Frequently asked questions
What does “thermal” mean?
The word “thermal” means relating to heat or temperature. In plain terms, relating to heat, or something (like clothing) built to keep you warm.
How do you pronounce “thermal”?
“Thermal” is pronounced THUR-muhl (/ˈθɝməl/ in IPA).
How do you use “thermal” in a sentence?
Here is “thermal” used in a sentence: “The factory uses thermal energy from burning coal.”
What is another word for “thermal”?
Words with a similar meaning to “thermal” include thermal column.
What part of speech is “thermal”?
Depending on how it is used, “thermal” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “thermal” come from?
The word “thermal” comes from French. From French thermal, ultimately from Greek therme ("heat").
Is “thermal” a common word?
“Thermal” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “thermal” have?
“Thermal” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to heat or temperature.
What is a thermal in gliding and paragliding?
A thermal is a rising column of warm air. Glider and paraglider pilots circle inside thermals to gain height without engine power, and soaring birds use them in exactly the same way.
What are thermals in clothing?
Thermals are garments designed to retain body heat — typically close-fitting base layers such as thermal underwear, tops, and leggings worn in cold weather. As an adjective, thermal describes any clothing made to hold warmth in, as in "thermal socks."
What is the difference between thermal and heat?
Heat is a noun naming the energy itself, while thermal is an adjective meaning "relating to heat or temperature." A power station generates heat, but we call it a thermal power station. The two are not interchangeable, because thermal cannot stand alone as the name of the energy.
What are common collocations with thermal?
Frequent pairings include thermal energy, thermal imaging, thermal conductivity, thermal underwear, and thermal springs, all built on the sense "relating to heat or temperature." In weather and aviation contexts, thermal also stands alone as a noun for a rising column of warm air.
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