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thermal

When used as an adjective, "thermal" is common in technical contexts like science, construction, and clothing (e.g., "thermal underwear"). As a noun referring to warm clothing, it is most often used in the plural form ("thermals") to refer to a set of undergarments. In aviation or bird-watching, "a thermal" refers specifically to the rising air current and is always a countable noun.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon in a freezing, poorly heated office building.

Jessica

The HVAC is totally shot. Did you bring your thermals?

Mark

Nah, I'm just gonna tough it out.

💡

Jessica is anxious about the office temperature and uses 'shot' as slang for broken/non-functional. Mark uses the phrasal verb 'tough it out' to express his intention to endure the cold without proper clothing (thermals).

Meanings

adjective

Relating to heat or the temperature of a system.

"The house was built with thermal insulation to keep it warm during winter."

noun

A column of rising air in the atmosphere, often used by gliding birds or aircraft to gain altitude.

"The eagle circled upward, riding a strong thermal over the valley."

noun

A garment made of thick, warm fabric, typically worn under other clothes.

"I wore my thermals beneath my jeans to survive the freezing temperatures."

Last Updated: May 23, 2026•Report an Error