First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1boil
verb \ˈbȯi(-ə)l\
: to become so hot that bubbles are formed in a liquid and rise to the top
: to heat (a liquid or a container with liquid in it) so that bubbles are formed and rise to the top
: to cook (something) in water that is boiling
Full Definition of BOIL
intransitive verb
1
a : to come to the boiling point b : to generate bubbles of vapor when heated —used of a liquid c : to cook in boiling water
2
: to become agitated : seethe
3
: to be moved, excited, or stirred up
4
a : to rush headlong b : to burst forth
5
: to undergo the action of a boiling liquid
transitive verb
1
: to subject to the action of a boiling liquid
2
: to heat to the boiling point
3
: to form or separate (as sugar or salt) by boiling
— boil·able \ˈbȯi-lə-bəl\ adjective
See boil defined for English-language learners
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Origin of BOIL
Middle English, from Anglo-French buillir, boillir, from Latin bullire to bubble, from bulla bubble
2boil
noun
Definition of BOIL
: a localized swelling and inflammation of the skin resulting from infection of a hair follicle and adjacent tissue, having a hard central core, and forming pus
Origin of BOIL
Middle English, alteration of bile, from Old English bȳl; akin to Old High German pūlla bladder
First Known Use: 15th century
3boil
noun
Definition of BOIL
1
: the act or state of boiling
2
: a swirling upheaval (as of water)
3
: a boiled dish of seafood, vegetables, and seasonings <a crab boil>; also : a gathering at which this dish is served
First Known Use of BOIL
15th century
BOILS Defined for Kids
1boil
noun \ˈbȯil\
Definition of BOIL for Kids
: a red painful lump in the skin that contains pus and is caused by infection
2boil
verb
boiledboil·ing
Definition of BOIL for Kids
1
: to heat or become heated to the temperature (boiling point) at which bubbles rise and break at the surface <boil water>
2
: to cook or become cooked in boiling water <boil eggs> <Let the stew boil slowly.>
3
: to feel angry or upset <The crowd boiled in frustration.>
3boil
noun
Definition of BOIL for Kids
: the state of something that is boiling <Bring the water to a boil.>
Medical Dictionary
boil
noun \ˈbȯi(ə)l\
Medical Definition of BOIL
: a localized swelling and inflammation of the skin resulting from usually bacterial infection of a hair follicle and adjacent tissue, having a hard central core, and forming pus—called also furuncle
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