n.
Pronunciation: ' fi(- ə )r
Function: noun
Usage: often attrib
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English fy ̄ r; akin to Old High German fiur fire, Greek pyr
Date: before 12th century
1 a (1) : the phenomenon of combustion manifested in light, flame, and heat (2) : one of the four elements of the alchemists b (1) : burning passion : ARDOR (2) : liveliness of imagination : INSPIRATION
2 a : fuel in a state of combustion (as on a hearth) b British : a small gas or electric space heater
3 a : a destructive burning (as of a building) b (1) : death or torture by fire (2) : severe trial or ordeal
4 : BRILLIANCY , LUMINOSITY <the fire of a gem>
5 a : the firing of weapons (as firearms, artillery, or missiles) b : intense verbal attack or criticism c : a rapidly delivered series (as of remarks)
– fire · less \ -l ə s \ adjective
– on fire
1 : being consumed by fire : AFLAME
2 : EAGER , BURNING
– under fire
1 : exposed to fire from an enemy's weapons
2 : under attack