— flamer , n. — flameless , adj. — flamelike , adj.
/flaym/ , n. , v. , flamed, flaming .
n.
1. burning gas or vapor, as from wood or coal, that is undergoing combustion; a portion of ignited gas or vapor.
2. Often, flames . the state or condition of blazing combustion: to burst into flames.
3. any flamelike condition; glow; inflamed condition.
4. brilliant light; scintillating luster.
5. bright coloring; a streak or patch of color.
6. See flame color .
7. intense ardor, zeal, or passion.
8. Informal. an object of one's passionate love; sweetheart: He's taking out his new flame tonight.
9. Computer Slang. an act or instance of angry criticism or disparagement, esp. on a computer network.
v.i.
10. to burn with a flame or flames; burst into flames; blaze.
11. to glow like flame; shine brilliantly; flash.
12. to burn or burst forth with strong emotion; break into open anger, indignation, etc.
13. Computer Slang. to insult or criticize angrily, esp. on a computer network.
v.t.
14. to subject to the action of flame or fire.
15. to flambé.
16. Computer Slang. to insult or criticize angrily, esp. on a computer network.
17. flame out ,
a. (of a jet engine) to cease to function due to an interruption of the fuel supply or to faulty combustion.
b. to burst out in or as if in flames.
[ 1300-50; (n.) ME flaume flaumbe; OF flambe, earlier flamble flammula, dim. of flamma flame (see -ULE); (v.) ME flaumen flaum ( b ) er; OF flamber flammare, deriv. of flamma ]
Syn. 1. fire. FLAME, BLAZE, CONFLAGRATION refer to the light and heat given off by combustion. FLAME is the common word, referring to a combustion of any size: the light of a match flame. BLAZE usually denotes a quick, hot, bright, and comparatively large flame: The fire burst into a blaze. CONFLAGRATION refers to destructive flames which spread over a considerable area: A conflagration destroyed Chicago.