Calorie

/ˈkæl.ə.ri/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A unit of measurement for energy expenditure in food and metabolic processes, typically defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius.

To lose weight, it's important to consume fewer calories than your body burns.

A unit of energy in food, often used to quantify the energy that food provides to the body.

This chocolate bar contains 250 calories.

A measure of the energy content of food that is commonly used in dietary planning.

Many diet plans focus on calorie counting to help people manage their weight.

Used informally to refer to the energy content or value of a specific food item.

I'm trying to keep my calorie intake under 2000 per day.

In exercise and fitness, refers to the amount of energy expended during physical activity.

Running for 30 minutes can burn about 300 calories.

Etymology

From the Latin 'calor', meaning heat, and the suffix '-ie', denoting a unit.

Common Phrases and Expressions

calorie deficit

A state where one burns more calories than consumed, leading to weight loss.

empty calories

Calories from food that offer little to no nutritional value.

caloric intake

The total number of calories consumed in a given period.

Related Words

kilocalorie

A unit of measure equal to 1,000 calories; often just called a 'calorie' in dietary contexts.

metabolism

The process by which the body converts food into energy.

Slang Meanings

Calorie-free

That drink is calorie-free, so I can have as much as I want.

Calorie counting

I'm on a calorie counting diet to lose weight.