fire

I. noun Usage: often attributive Etymology: Middle English, from Old English fȳr; akin to Old High German fiur fire, Greek pyr Date: before 12th century 1. a. (1) the phenomenon of combustion manifested in light, flame, and heat (2) one of the four elements of the alchemists b. (1) burning passion ; ardor (2) liveliness of imagination ; inspiration 2. a. fuel in a state of combustion (as on a hearth) b. British a small gas or electric space heater 3. a. a destructive burning (as of a building) b. (1) death or torture by fire (2) severe trial or ordeal 4. brilliancy, luminosity <

the fire of a gem

> 5. a. the firing of weapons (as firearms, artillery, or missiles) b. intense verbal attack or criticism c. a rapidly delivered series (as of remarks) • fireless adjective II. verb (fired; firing) Date: 13th century transitive verb 1. a. to set on fire ; kindle; also ignite <

fire a rocket engine

> b. (1) to give life or spirit to ; inspire <

the description fired his imagination

> (2) to fill with passion or enthusiasm — often used with up c. to light up as if by fire d. to cause to start operating — usually used with up <

fired up the engine

> 2. a. to drive out or away by or as if by fire b. to dismiss from a position 3. a. (1) to cause to explode ; detonate (2) to propel from or as if from a gun ; discharge, launch <

fire a rocket

> (3) shoot 1b <

fire a gun

> (4) to score (a number) in a game or contest b. to throw with speed or force <

fired the ball to first base

> <

fire a left jab

> c. to utter with force and rapidity 4. to apply fire or fuel to: as a. to process by applying heat <

fire pottery

> b. to feed or serve the fire of <

fire a boiler

> intransitive verb 1. a. to take fire ; kindle, ignite b. to begin operation ; start <

the engine fired

> c. to operate especially as the result of the application of an electrical impulse <

the spark plug fires

> 2. a. to become irritated or angry — often used with up b. to become filled with excitement or enthusiasm 3. a. to discharge a firearm <

fire at close range

> b. to emit or let fly an object 4. to tend a fire 5. to transmit a nerve impulse <

the rate at which a neuron fires

> • fireable adjective • firer noun