Boil

/bɔɪl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

the process of boiling; the state of being boiled.

The boil of the water indicated it was ready for the tea.

a painful, pus-filled bump under the skin.

He had a boil on his neck that required medical attention.

verb

to heat a liquid until it reaches the temperature at which it bubbles and turns to vapor.

Please boil the water before adding the pasta.

to undergo the process of boiling or being in a state of rapid bubbling due to heat.

The pot began to boil after a few minutes on the stove.

to cook food in boiling water or other liquid.

I usually boil vegetables to retain their nutrients.

to bring to a state of excitement or intensity.

The debate caused tempers to boil over among the participants.

Middle English 'boilen', from Old French 'boillir', from Latin 'bullire' meaning 'to bubble'.

boil over:

To overflow due to heat or tension.

boil down:

To reduce something to its essential elements.

boiling point:

The temperature at which a liquid becomes a gas; also a point of extreme anger.

To lose one's temper.

He was about to boil after hearing that news.

To be very angry.

She's boiling over about the delay in the project.