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boil

heat liquid / cook in water / be very angry / skin abscess
Intransitive VerbTransitive VerbNoun
pl: boilspast: boiledpp: boileding: boiling

The term evokes a sense of violent agitation and high energy, whether through the physical churning of bubbles in a liquid or the internal turbulence of intense anger. It suggests a threshold being crossed where a state of stability is lost to rapid movement or heat. As a noun, the word exhibits a stark semantic split. It can refer to a thermal process or a localized skin infection. When referring to the medical condition, it is a countable noun, whereas the process of heating is typically treated as an uncountable state or a specific event.

Meanings

Intransitive Verb
[~]

To reach the temperature at which a liquid turns into vapor, typically characterized by the formation of bubbles.

"The kettle began to boil after a few minutes."

Transitive Verb
[~ something]

To heat a liquid until it reaches its boiling point.

"You should boil the water before adding the pasta."

Transitive Verb
[~ something in something]

To cook food in boiling water.

"I will boil the eggs for six minutes."

Intransitive Verb
[~ with something]

To be filled with a strong emotion, such as anger, to an intense degree.

"He was boiling with rage after the argument."

Noun

The process of heating a liquid to its boiling point.

"Wait for the boil before adding the vegetables."

Noun

A painful, pus-filled bump on the skin caused by an infected hair follicle.

"She had a painful boil on her neck that required medical treatment."

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Last Updated: June 11, 2026Report an Error