/ ˈsɪmə(r); NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb
1.
to cook sth by keeping it almost at boiling point; to be cooked in this way :
[ vn ]
Simmer the sauce gently for 10 minutes.
[ v ]
Leave the soup to simmer.
2.
[ v ] simmer (with sth) to be filled with a strong feeling, especially anger, which you have difficulty controlling
SYN seethe :
She was still simmering with resentment.
Anger simmered inside him.
3.
[ v ] ( of an argument, a disagreement, etc. ) to develop for a period of time without any real anger or violence being shown :
This argument has been simmering for months.
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PHRASAL VERBS
- simmer down
■ noun
[ sing. ] the state when sth is almost boiling :
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent.: alteration of dialect simper (in the same sense), perhaps imitative.