white heat

noun

Synonyms of white heatnext
1
: a temperature (as for copper and iron from 1500° to 1600°C) which is higher than red heat and at which a body becomes brightly incandescent
2
: a state of intense mental or physical strain, emotion, or activity

Synonyms

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Examples of white heat in a Sentence

claims that the novel was written at white heat in a tremendous, unbroken burst of creativity
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the white heat of wanting something so badly, self begins to melt. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 7 June 2024 Things are at white heat in all that part of the country and the citizens are almost demoralized. — Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 15 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of white heat was in 1664

Rhymes for white heat

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Cite this Entry

“White heat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20heat. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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