n.
Pronunciation: ' fl ā m
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English flaume, flaumbe, from Anglo-French flame (fr. Latin flamma ) & flambe, flamble, from Latin flammula, diminutive of flamma flame; akin to Latin flagrare to burn ― more at BLACK
Date: 14th century
1 : the glowing gaseous part of a fire
2 a : a state of blazing combustion <the car burst into flame > b : a condition or appearance suggesting a flame or burning: as (1) : burning zeal or passion (2) : a strong reddish-orange color
3 : BRILLIANCE , BRIGHTNESS
4 : SWEETHEART
5 : the memory, reputation, or beliefs of a deceased person broadly : MEMORY <keeper of the flame >
6 : an angry, hostile, or abusive electronic message