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fahrenheit

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈfɛɹənˌhaɪt// fahren·heit

n. a scale for measuring temperature where water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees. It is mostly used in the United States.

n. a thermometric scale on which the freezing point of water is 32 degrees and the boiling point is 212 degrees under standard atmospheric pressure. Primarily used in the United States and a few other jurisdictions.


SIMPLE

The temperature today is 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

CONTEXTUAL

Most American ovens are calibrated in Fahrenheit, so you may need to convert recipes from Celsius.

COMPLEX

While the scientific community and most nations have adopted the Celsius scale, the United States remains the largest economy to officially retain Fahrenheit for weather reporting and domestic use.

Origin

From German Fahrenheit, named after Prussian scientist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit.

Usage

Usually capitalised; often abbreviated as 'F' after a degree symbol.

Pitfall

It is 20 Fahrenheits outside.It is 20 degrees Fahrenheit outside.The word refers to the scale itself; specific measurements must be expressed as 'degrees Fahrenheit'.

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