—adj.
1 of or at a fairly or comfortably high temperature.
2 (of clothes etc.) affording warmth (needs warm gloves).
3 a (of a person, action, feelings, etc.) sympathetic; cordial; friendly; loving (a warm welcome; has a warm heart). b enthusiastic; hearty (was warm in her praise).
4 animated, heated, excited; indignant (the dispute grew warm).
5 colloq. iron. dangerous, difficult, or hostile (met a warm reception).
6 colloq. a (of a participant in esp. a children's game of seeking) close to the object etc. sought. b near to guessing or finding out a secret.
7 (of a colour, light, etc.) reddish, pink, or yellowish, etc., suggestive of warmth.
8 Hunting (of a scent) fresh and strong.
9 a (of a person's temperament) amorous; sexually demanding. b erotic; arousing.
—v.
1 tr. a make warm (fire warms the room). b excite; make cheerful (warms the heart).
2 intr. a (often foll. by up) warm oneself at a fire etc. (warmed himself up). b (often foll. by to) become animated, enthusiastic, or sympathetic (warmed to his subject).
—n.
1 the act of warming; the state of being warmed (gave it a warm; had a nice warm by the fire).
2 the warmth of the atmosphere etc.
3 Brit. archaic a warm garment, esp. an army greatcoat.
Phrases and idioms:
warmed-up (US -over)
1 (of food etc.) reheated or stale.
2 stale; second-hand. warm front an advancing mass of warm air. warming-pan hist. a usu. brass container for live coals with a flat body and a long handle, used for warming a bed.
warm up
1 (of an athlete, performer, etc.) prepare for a contest, performance, etc. by practising.
2 (of a room etc.) become warmer.
3 (of a person) become enthusiastic etc.
4 (of a radio, engine, etc.) reach a temperature for efficient working.
5 reheat (food). warm-up n. a period of preparatory exercise for a contest or performance.
warm work
1 work etc. that makes one warm through exertion.
2 dangerous conflict etc.
Derivatives:
warmer n. (also in comb.). warmish adj. warmly adv. warmness n. warmth n.
Etymology: OE wearm f. Gmc
Useful english dictionary. 2012.