English Dictionary

SPICY (spicier, spiciest)

Pronunciation (US): Play  (GB): Play

IPA (US): 

Irregular inflected forms: spicier  Listen to US pronunciation  Listen to GB pronunciation, spiciest  Listen to US pronunciation  Listen to GB pronunciation

 Dictionary entry overview: What does spicy mean? 

SPICY (adjective)
  The adjective SPICY has 2 senses:

1. producing a burning sensation on the taste nervesplay

2. suggestive of sexual improprietyplay

  Familiarity information: SPICY used as an adjective is rare.


 Dictionary entry details 


SPICY (adjective)

 Declension: comparative and superlative 
Comparative: spicier  Listen to US pronunciation  Listen to GB pronunciation
Superlative: spiciest  Listen to US pronunciation  Listen to GB pronunciation


Sense 1

Meaning:

Producing a burning sensation on the taste nerves

Synonyms:

hot; spicy

Context example:

I like my chili extra spicy

Similar:

tasty (pleasing to the sense of taste)

Derivation:

spiciness (the property of being seasoned with spice and so highly flavored)


Sense 2

Meaning:

Suggestive of sexual impropriety

Synonyms:

blue; gamey; gamy; juicy; naughty; racy; risque; spicy

Context example:

spicy gossip

Similar:

sexy (marked by or tending to arouse sexual desire or interest)

Derivation:

spiciness (behavior or language bordering on indelicacy)


 Context examples 


Stress and spicy foods do not cause ulcers, but can make them worse.

(Peptic Ulcer, NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

There are a large number of causes, including large meals, alcohol, or hot and spicy foods.

(Hiccups, NIH)

Having an odor, which often is pleasant or spicy.

(Aromatic, NCI Dictionary)

"Aren't they beautiful?" the girl asked, as she breathed in the spicy scent of the bright flowers.

(The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum)

This was despite being told they had a strong aversion spicy food!

(Sometimes You Shouldn't Say Sorry, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)

Avoiding hot, spicy food while you have a canker sore also helps.

(Canker Sores, NIH)

"Well, we'll look at it. Can't promise to take it. Tell her to make it short and spicy, and never mind the moral. What name would your friend like to put on it?" in a careless tone.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

However, many people can improve their symptoms by: • Avoiding alcohol and spicy, fatty or acidic foods that trigger heartburn • Eating smaller meals • Not eating close to bedtime • Losing weight if needed • Wearing loose-fitting clothes

(GERD, NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)



 Learn English with... Proverbs 
"Every man has a price." (English proverb)

"Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view and demand that they respect yours." (Native American proverbs and quotes, Chief Tecumseh)

"The most praised form of fluency is silence when talk isn't wise." (Arabic proverb)

"He whom the shoe fits should put it on." (Dutch proverb)



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