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.

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Etymology

Origin of body heat

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

body heat

She explains that the trapped person's body heat can warm the rubble around them, allowing rescuers to "see through some types of walls".

From BBC ● Jun. 29, 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

These are a rare group, making up less than 0.1% of all fish species, that can retain body heat and keep parts of themselves warmer than the surrounding water.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 18, 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