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   boil

   /bɔɪl/

   verb

   • 1. (with reference to a liquid) reach or cause to reach the temperature at which it bubbles and turns to vapour: "we asked people to boil their drinking water" Similar simmerbubbleseetheheatcookstewOpposite freeze
   • ▪ (with reference to a kettle, pan, or other container) heat or be heated until the liquid inside starts to boil: "she boiled the kettle and took down a couple of mugs" Similar simmerbubbleseetheheatcookstewOpposite freeze
   • 2. (with reference to food) cook or be cooked by immersing in boiling water or stock: "boil the potatoes until well done" Similar bring to the boilsimmerheatcookOpposite freeze
   • ▪ wash or sterilize in very hot water: "boil bedclothes and towels"
   • ▪ execute (someone) by subjecting them to the heat of boiling liquid: historical "one valet was ordered to be boiled alive"
   • 3. (of the sea or clouds) be turbulent and stormy: "she stood gazing out of the lighthouse window as the sea boiled beneath her" Similar be turbulentbe agitatedfrothfoamchurnseethebubblefizzeffervesceliterary:roil
   • ▪ (of a person or strong emotion) be stirred up: "he was boiling with rage" Similar be angrybe furiousbe indignantragefumeseethesmoulderlose one's temperlose controlrantravestormfulminateblusterexplodeflare upgo berserkthrow a tantruminformal:blow one's topfly off the handlego off the deep endhit the roofgo up the wallblow a fusesee redget worked upget steamed upspit feathersOpposite keep calm

   noun

   • 1. the temperature at which a liquid bubbles and turns to vapour: "bring the sauce to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes"
   • ▪ the process of heating a liquid to the temperature at which it bubbles and turns to vapour: "the kettle's on the boil"
   • ▪ a state of great activity or excitement: "he has gone off the boil since opening the campaign"
   • ▪ a sudden rise of a fish at a fly: "a boil from a fish in a pool"
   • 2. a casual outdoor meal at which shellfish is prepared by boiling: US "the reappearance of warm days signals another revival: weekend crawfish boils"
   • ▪ a dish of shellfish boiled in a large pot with sweetcorn, potatoes, and other ingredients: "I will definitely come back and try the crab cakes and lobster boil"

   Word Origin Middle English: from Old French boillir, from Latin bullire ‘to bubble’, from bulla ‘bubble’.

   Scrabble Points: 6

   • B

     3

   • O

     1

   • I

     1

   • L

     1

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