I. ˈbȯi(-ə)l verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French buillir, boillir, from Latin bullire to bubble, from bulla bubble
Date: 13th century
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
made his blood boil
4.
a. : to rush headlong
b. : to burst forth : erupt
water boil ing from a spring
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
II. noun
Etymology: Middle English, alteration of bile, from Old English bȳl; akin to Old High German pūlla bladder
Date: 15th century
: 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
III. noun
Date: 15th century
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