Noun

(obsolete, or, historical) Possession by a god; divine inspiration or frenzy.

* 1946 , Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy , ch. 1

The intoxication that they sought was that of ‘enthusiasm ’, of union with the god.

Intensity of feeling; excited interest or eagerness.

Something in which one is keenly interested.

* 1968 , Central States Archaeological Journal (volumes 15-16, page 154)

My main enthusiasm is attending and seeing the progress and interest of collectors, to meet old friends, and hopefully to make new friends.

* 2012 , Nicholas Joll, Philosophy and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (page 23)

Other Adamsian enthusiasms included: fast cars; restaurants; Bach, the Beatles, Pink Floyd and Dire Straits;

Noun

(en noun)

The visible part of fire; a stream of burning vapour or gas, emitting light and heat.

*

*:Long after his cigar burnt bitter, he sat with eyes fixed on the blaze. When the flames at last began to flicker and subside, his lids fluttered, then drooped; but he had lost all reckoning of time when he opened them again to find Miss Erroll in furs and ball-gown kneeling on the hearth.

*{{quote-magazine, year=2013, month=July-August, author=(Henry Petroski)

, title= Geothermal Energy , volume=101, issue=4, magazine=(American Scientist) , passage=Energy has seldom been found where we need it when we want it. Ancient nomads, wishing to ward off the evening chill and enjoy a meal around a campfire, had to collect wood and then spend time and effort coaxing the heat of friction out from between sticks to kindle a flame .}}

A romantic partner or lover in a usually short-lived but passionate affair.

*(Thackeray)

(lb) Intentionally insulting criticism or remark meant to incite anger.

A brilliant reddish orange-gold fiery colour.

The contrasting light and dark figure seen in wood used for stringed instrument making; the curl.

:

Burning zeal, passion, imagination, excitement, or anger.

*(John Milton) (1608-1674)

*:in a flame of zeal severe

*(Alexander Pope) (1688-1744)

*:where flames refin'd in breasts seraphic glow

*(Coleridge)