thermal Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun rising current of warm air
  2. adjective relating to or associated with heat
    caloric; thermic.
    • thermal movements of molecules
    • thermal capacity
    • thermic energy
    • the caloric effect of sunlight
  3. adjective of or relating to a hot spring
    • thermal water
  4. adjective satellite caused by or designed to retain heat
    • a thermal burn
    • thermal underwear

WordNet

Ther"mal adjective
Etymology
L. thermae hot springs, fr. Gr. , pl. of heat, fr. hot, warm, to warm, make hot; perhaps akin to L. formus warm, and E. forceps.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to heat; warm; hot; as, the thermal unit; thermal waters.
    The thermal condition of the earth. J. D. Forbes.

Webster 1913