boil1
v.
- (with reference to a liquid) reach or cause to reach the temperature at which it bubbles and turns to vapour.
- (with reference to food) cook or be cooked by immersion in boiling water.
- (of the sea or clouds) be turbulent and stormy.
▸(of a person or emotion) be stirred up or inflamed.
▸
(boil over)
become so excited or tense as to lose control.
-
(boil down to)
amount to.
n.
- the act or process of boiling.
▸boiling point.
- Fishing a sudden rise of a fish at a fly.
Phrase
- keep the pot boiling
maintain the brisk momentum or interest value of something.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. boillir, from L. bullire ‘to bubble’, from bulla ‘bubble’.
boil2
n.
an inflamed pus-filled swelling on the skin.
Etymology
OE bȳle, bȳl, of W. Gmc origin.