Fahrenheit

adjective

Fahr·​en·​heit ˈfer-ən-ˌhīt How to pronounce Fahrenheit (audio)
: relating or conforming to a thermometric scale on which under standard atmospheric pressure the boiling point of water is at 212 degrees above the zero of the scale, the freezing point is at 32 degrees above zero, and the zero point approximates the temperature produced by mixing equal quantities by weight of snow and common salt
abbreviation F

Examples of Fahrenheit in a Sentence

It was 70 degrees Fahrenheit outside.

Word History

Etymology

Daniel G. Fahrenheit

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Fahrenheit was in 1753

Dictionary Entries Near Fahrenheit

Cite this Entry

“Fahrenheit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Fahrenheit. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

Fahrenheit

adjective
Fahr·​en·​heit ˈfar-ən-ˌhīt How to pronounce Fahrenheit (audio)
: relating or conforming to or having a thermometer scale on which under standard atmospheric pressure the boiling point of water is at 212 degrees above the zero of the scale and the freezing point is at 32 degrees above zero
abbreviation F
Etymology

named for Gabriel Fahrenheit 1686–1736 German physicist

Medical Definition

Fahrenheit

adjective
Fahr·​en·​heit ˈfar-ən-ˌhīt How to pronounce Fahrenheit (audio)
: relating or conforming to a thermometric scale on which under standard atmospheric pressure the boiling point of water is at 212 degrees above the zero of the scale, the freezing point is at 32 degrees above zero, and the zero point approximates the temperature produced by mixing equal quantities by weight of snow and common salt
abbreviation F

Biographical Definition

Fahrenheit

biographical name

Fah·​ren·​heit ˈfer-ən-ˌhīt How to pronounce Fahrenheit (audio)
ˈfa-rən-,
ˈfär-ən-
Daniel Gabriel 1686–1736 German physicist
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!