I. ˈfi(-ə)r noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English fȳr; 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 -ləs adjective
•
- on fire
- under fire
II. verb
( fired ; fir·ing )
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to set on fire : kindle ; also : ignite
fire a rocket engine
b.
(1) : to give life or spirit to : inspire
the description fired his imagination
(2) : to fill with passion or enthusiasm — often used with up
c. : to light up as if by fire
d. : to cause to start operating — usually used with up
fired up the engine
2.
a. : to drive out or away by or as if by fire
b. : to dismiss from a position
3.
a.
(1) : to cause to explode : detonate
(2) : to propel from or as if from a gun : discharge , launch
fire a rocket
(3) : shoot 1b
fire a gun
(4) : to score (a number) in a game or contest
b. : to throw with speed or force
fired the ball to first base
fire a left jab
c. : to utter with force and rapidity
4. : to apply fire or fuel to: as
a. : to process by applying heat
fire pottery
b. : to feed or serve the fire of
fire a boiler
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to take fire : kindle , ignite
b. : to begin operation : start
the engine fired
c. : to operate especially as the result of the application of an electrical impulse
the spark plug fire s
2.
a. : to become irritated or angry — often used with up
b. : to become filled with excitement or enthusiasm
3.
a. : to discharge a firearm
fire at close range
b. : to emit or let fly an object
4. : to tend a fire
5. : to transmit a nerve impulse
the rate at which a neuron fire s
• fire·able ˈfī(-ə)r-ə-bəl, ˈfī-rə- adjective
• fir·er noun