WordGarden.iothermal
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /θˈɜːməl/
US
- /ˈθɜrməl/
Meanings
Adjective
relating to heat or temperature, especially in science or engineering
made to retain heat and keep you warm, especially in clothing
Noun
a rising current of warm air used by birds or gliders
Beyond the definition
"Thermal" relates to heat and temperature, especially how heat moves, stays in, or is blocked. Think of a warm winter shirt or blanket; its thermal design helps hold in body heat. The word is also common in science and technology. People talk about thermal cameras that show heat, thermal insulation that slows heat loss, and thermal energy in nature and machines. So, "thermal" is used for things connected to heat and its effects.
The word "thermal" comes from the Greek word for "heat" and broadly refers to anything related to temperature or the transfer of heat energy. It's far more than just feeling warm!
In everyday life, you might encounter "thermal" when talking about clothing—thermal underwear is designed to retain body heat in cold weather. Or perhaps you've heard of a thermal flask, which keeps drinks hot or cold for extended periods by minimizing heat transfer. These are examples of thermal insulation: resisting the flow of heat.
But "thermal" has significant scientific applications too. Geologists study thermal vents—openings in the Earth's surface that release geothermal heat. Meteorologists analyze thermal currents, which are rising columns of warm air influencing weather patterns. Physicists explore thermal energy and its role in various processes. Thermal imaging uses infrared radiation to create images based on temperature differences—useful for everything from detecting building leaks to medical diagnostics.
Even in cooking, "thermal" plays a part! The Maillard reaction, responsible for browning food, is a thermal process; it happens when amino acids and reducing sugars are heated.
So, whether you're bundling up for winter, studying the Earth's core, or perfecting your steak sear, "thermal" describes anything connected to heat and its effects on the world around us.
Examples
- 1
Cold clothing
I wear a thermal shirt under my sweater on cold days.
- 2
Home warmth
They bought thermal curtains to help keep the bedroom warm in winter.
- 3
Building insulation
The new windows provide much better thermal insulation.
- 4
Fire rescue
Firefighters used a thermal camera to look for people inside the smoke-filled house.
- Phrasethermal camera
a camera that shows heat
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Receipts
The store prints receipts on thermal paper, so the writing can fade over time.
- Phrasethermal paper
special paper used for many receipts
See also
Similar
- heat-related
- thermic
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- nonthermal
- electrical
Used with (collocations)
- thermal energy
- thermal conductivity
- thermal imaging
- thermal insulation
Word family
- thermally
- thermo-
Explore
- temperature
- heat transfer
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- thermalnounadjective
Forms
- thermalspluralnounadjective