FIRE

Pronunciation:

    \ˈfi(-ə)r\

Function:

    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 : inspiration2 a: fuel in a state of combustion (as on a hearth) bBritish : a small gas or electric space heater3 a: a destructive burning (as of a building) b (1): death or torture by fire (2): severe trial or ordeal4: 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)