body heat

American  

[bod-ee heet] / ˈbɒd i ˌhit /

noun

1. Physiology. heat generated in the body of a living animal through processes such as metabolism and muscle activity.

   When body temperature is low, muscles can contract to produce body heat.

   A good down sleeping bag will provide insulation to keep your body heat from escaping if you’re winter camping.

---

Etymology

Origin of body heat

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

body heat

Yaks lived on the ground floor of their homes, their body heat warming the rooms above.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 8, 2026

Heat stress -- the name given to the hazardous build-up of body heat caused by soaring temperatures, humidity and other factors -- is one of the most common ways that weather kills people.

From Barron's ● Jun. 22, 2026

The insects can generate their own body heat like mammals and produce antifreeze proteins similar to those found in Arctic fish.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 26, 2026

You lose 90% of your body heat through your head.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 20, 2026

We huddled Stef, one of us on each side, to share body heat.

From "Adrift" by Paul Griffin

Related Words

• climate
• cold
• condition
• heat
• warmth