superheating
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈsuːpərˌhiːtɪŋ/
KK: /ˈsuːpərˌhiːtɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The process of heating a substance to a temperature higher than its normal boiling point without it changing into a gas.
Example
Superheating water can lead to dangerous explosions if it suddenly boils over.
Conversation
I was reading about superheating in my science book yesterday.
Oh really? What does it mean?
It’s when a liquid is heated above its boiling point without actually boiling.
That sounds interesting! I never knew that could happen.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
overheating
scalding
vaporization
Antonyms
cooling
condensation
freezing
verb
Definition
To heat a substance to a temperature higher than its boiling point without it boiling.
Example
The process of superheating water can be dangerous if not done carefully.
Tense Forms
Past: superheated
Past Participle: superheated
Conversation
Did you know that superheating water can be dangerous?
Really? I had no idea; what happens?
Well, it can cause the water to boil explosively if disturbed.
Root Explanation
Superheating → It is formed from "super-" (meaning above or beyond) and "heating" (from the root "heat", which comes from Old English "hætu", meaning warmth or hotness). The word "superheating" refers to the process of heating something beyond its normal temperature.
Memory Tip
Think of heating something 'beyond' ('super-') its normal warmth — that's what superheating means.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.