English · Word Candidate

thermal

/ˈθɜːməl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: thermals · thermaling · thermalling · thermaled

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Pertaining to heat or temperature.

Adjective

Examples

Similar studies of rats have employed four different intracranial resorbable, slow sustained release systems—surgical foam, a thermal gel depot, a microcapsule or biodegradable polymer beads.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Providing efficient insulation so as to keep the body warm.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A column of rising air in the lower atmosphere created by uneven heating of a planet's surface.

Noun

Examples

The hawk had mounted its thermal by the time he got to the yard, flapping its wings violently against the updraft.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

FLIR.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “thermal” mean?

Pertaining to heat or temperature.

Is “thermal” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.