Boil

Definition

Boil is a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to heat a liquid until it reaches a temperature where it changes to vapor, typically marked by bubbles forming on the surface. As a noun, it refers to the process of boiling or a skin infection characterized by a swollen, painful area filled with pus.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /bɔɪl/
• Respelling: BOYL

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /bɔɪl/
• Respelling: BOYL

Etymology

The word "boil" comes from the Old English "byllian," meaning "to bubble up" or "to swell." It is related to the Latin "bullire," meaning "to bubble" or "to boil." The medical meaning, referring to a skin infection, developed later, likely due to the swollen, inflamed nature of the condition.

Derivatives

• Boiling (adjective)
• Boilover (noun)
• Boiler (noun)
• Boiled (adjective)
• Reboil (verb)

Synonyms

• Simmer
• Bubble
• Seethe

Antonyms

• Cool
• Freeze
• Chill

Usage

The term "boil" is commonly used to refer to heating a liquid until it vaporizes or to describe a type of skin infection. For example, "He waited for the water to boil," or "She had a painful boil on her arm."

Related Terms

• Evaporate: The process of turning from liquid to vapor.
• Simmer: To cook just below the boiling point.
• Abscess: A swollen area within body tissue, often filled with pus.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To heat a liquid until it changes to vapor: Describes the process of raising a liquid's temperature to its boiling point, forming bubbles on the surface.
  • Example: "She put a pot of water on the stove to boil."
• To reach a state of intense anger or agitation (informal): Used figuratively to mean becoming extremely angry or upset.
  • Example: "He was so angry, he felt like he was going to boil."

Noun

• The process of boiling: Refers to the act of heating a liquid until it vaporizes.
  • Example: "Bring the water to a boil before adding the pasta."
• A painful skin infection filled with pus: Refers to an inflamed, swollen infection on the skin, also known as a furuncle.
  • Example: "The doctor treated the boil on his leg."