blistering

[ blis-ter-ing ]

/ ˈblɪs tər ɪŋ /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR blistering ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

causing a blister or blisters.

(especially of sunlight, heat, etc.) very severe or intense.

very fast or rapid: a blistering pace.

noun

the act or an instance of forming a blister or blisters.

a series or group of blisters, as on a painted surface.

Nearby words

blister copper, blister gas, blister pack, blister rust, blister steel, blistering, blistery, blit, blite, blithe, blither

Origin of blistering

First recorded in 1555–65; blister + -ing²

Related forms

blis·ter·ing·ly, adverb

Definition for blistering (2 of 2)

blister

[ blis-ter ]

/ ˈblɪs tər /

noun

a thin vesicle on the skin, containing watery matter or serum, as from a burn or other injury.

any similar swelling, as an air bubble in a coat of paint.

a relatively large bubble occurring in glass during blowing.

Military. a transparent bulge or dome on the fuselage of an airplane, usually for mounting a gun.

Photography. a bubble of air formed where the emulsion has separated from the base of a film, as because of defective processing.

a dome or skylight on a building.

the moving bubble in a spirit level.

a small blisterlike covering of plastic, usually affixed to a piece of cardboard and containing a small item, as a pen, bolt, or medicinal tablet.

verb (used with object)

to raise a blister or blisters on: These new shoes blistered my feet.

to criticize or rebuke severely: The boss blistered his assistant in front of the whole office.

to beat or thrash; punish severely.

verb (used without object)

to form or rise as a blister or blisters; become blistered.

Origin of blister

1250–1300; Middle English blister, blester < Old Norse blǣstri, dative of blāstr swelling. See blast, blow²

Related forms

re·blis·ter, verbun·blis·tered, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for blistering

It was a good day for the anniversary walk; sunny but not blistering.
Philippe Petit’s Moment of Concern Walking the WTC Tightrope|Anthony Haden-Guest|August 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Kudos to the voters for nominating Allison Janney and Beau Bridges for the blistering guest turns, too.
The Enraging Emmy Nominations: 20 Snubs and Surprises|Kevin Fallon|July 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
His novel The Last Magazine, published posthumously this month, is just like him: blistering, fun, insightful, and profane.
Michael Hastings' Hunger for Life|Jack Gray|June 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
On whether he would pursue a similar case against Herman, Singer was more circumspect than his blistering letter of May 8.
Third Hollywood Power Player Files Motion to Dismiss Sex Abuse Lawsuit|Tim Teeman|May 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST

We are a fiery generation, heated in our affection, feverish in our action, blistering in our scorn—and obsessed with being cool.
P.J. O’Rourke on Grabbing the Keys to Happiness|P. J. O’Rourke|January 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In the blistering heat the desert lay sun-drenched, basking, silent.
The Wave|Algernon Blackwood
Taking a deep breath McKenny launched into a blistering tirade.
Stand by for Mars!|Carey Rockwell
Sashes all knock-kneed, panelling out of the square, or painters with their paint all blistering and peeling off.
Original Penny Readings|George Manville Fenn
It grew very hot, and the screes above the thicket were blistering to the touch.
Prester John|John Buchan
In case of these failing, recourse should be had to blistering or firing, or if need be to a seton.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I|Arnold Cooley

British Dictionary definitions for blistering (1 of 2)

blistering

/ (ˈblɪstərɪŋ, -trɪŋ) /

adjective

(of weather) extremely hot

(of criticism) extremely harsh

Derived Forms

blisteringly, adverb

British Dictionary definitions for blistering (2 of 2)

blister

/ (ˈblɪstə) /

noun

a small bubble-like elevation of the skin filled with serum, produced as a reaction to a burn, mechanical irritation, etc

a swelling containing air or liquid, as on a painted surface

a transparent dome or any bulge on the fuselage of an aircraft, such as one used for observation

slang an irritating person

NZ slang a rebuke

verb

to have or cause to have blisters

(tr) to attack verbally with great scorn or sarcasm

Derived Forms

blistered, adjectiveblistery, adjective

Word Origin for blister

C13: from Old French blestre, probably from Middle Dutch bluyster blister; see blast

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for blistering (1 of 2)

blistering

[ blĭs′tər-ĭng ]

n.

vesiculation

Medicine definitions for blistering (2 of 2)

blister

[ blĭs′tər ]

n.

A local swelling of the skin that contains watery fluid and is caused by burning, infection, or irritation.

blistering

adjective

noun

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of blistering

Related forms

Definition for blistering (2 of 2)

blister

noun

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

Origin of blister

Related forms

Examples from the Web for blistering

British Dictionary definitions for blistering (1 of 2)

blistering

adjective

Derived Forms

British Dictionary definitions for blistering (2 of 2)

blister

noun

verb

Derived Forms

Word Origin for blister

Medicine definitions for blistering (1 of 2)

blistering

n.

Medicine definitions for blistering (2 of 2)

blister

n.