adj., v., & n.
adj. 1 of or at a fairly or comfortably high temperature. 2 (of clothes etc.) affording warmth (needs warm gloves). 3 a (of a person, action, feelings, etc.) sympathetic; cordial; friendly; loving (a warm welcome; has a warm heart). b enthusiastic; hearty (was warm in her praise). 4 animated, heated, excited; indignant (the dispute grew warm). 5 colloq. iron. dangerous, difficult, or hostile (met a warm reception). 6 colloq. a (of a participant in esp. a children's game of seeking) close to the object etc. sought. b near to guessing or finding out a secret. 7 (of a colour, light, etc.) reddish, pink, or yellowish, etc., suggestive of warmth. 8 Hunting (of a scent) fresh and strong. 9 a (of a person's temperament) amorous; sexually demanding. b erotic; arousing.
v. 1 tr. a make warm (fire warms the room). b excite; make cheerful (warms the heart). 2 intr. a (often foll. by up) warm oneself at a fire etc. (warmed himself up). b (often foll. by to) become animated, enthusiastic, or sympathetic (warmed to his subject).
n. 1 the act of warming; the state of being warmed (gave it a warm; had a nice warm by the fire). 2 the warmth of the atmosphere etc. 3 Brit. archaic a warm garment, esp. an army greatcoat. warmed-up (US -over) 1 (of food etc.) reheated or stale. 2 stale; second-hand. warm front an advancing mass of warm air. warming-pan hist. a usu. brass container for live coals with a flat body and a long handle, used for warming a bed. warm up 1 (of an athlete, performer, etc.) prepare for a contest, performance, etc. by practising. 2 (of a room etc.) become warmer. 3 (of a person) become enthusiastic etc. 4 (of a radio, engine, etc.) reach a temperature for efficient working. 5 reheat (food). warm-up n. a period of preparatory exercise for a contest or performance. warm work 1 work etc. that makes one warm through exertion. 2 dangerous conflict etc. warmer n. (also in comb.). warmish adj. warmly adv. warmness n. warmth n.
[ OE wearm f. Gmc ]