superheat
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈsuːpərhiːt/
KK: /ˈsuːpərhiːt/
noun
Definition
The extra heat added to a vapor that raises its temperature above its boiling point without changing it into a liquid.
Example
The superheat of the steam increased the efficiency of the engine.
Conversation
Did you know that superheat can really affect how steam engines work?
I had no idea! How does that happen?
Well, it’s all about the extra heat that makes the steam more efficient.
That’s interesting! I’ll have to look into how it’s used in different machines.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
overheat
elevation
intensification
Antonyms
cooling
reduction
diminution
transitive verb
Definition
To heat a liquid or vapor to a temperature higher than its boiling point or saturation point without it turning into vapor.
Example
The engineer decided to superheat the steam to increase its efficiency in the turbine.
Tense Forms
Past: superheated
Past Participle: superheated
Conversation
Did you know you can superheat water in the microwave?
Really? I always thought it would just boil normally.
Yeah, it can get hotter than boiling point without bubbling.
Root Explanation
Superheat → It is formed from "super-" (meaning above or over) and "heat" (from Old English "hætu", meaning warmth or heat). The word "superheat" means to heat something to a temperature above its normal boiling point without it boiling.
Memory Tip
Think of heating something 'above' ('super-') its normal 'warmth' ('heat') — that's why superheat means to heat beyond the usual temperature.
Visually Confused Words
resuperheat
desuperheater