calorie
A unit of energy used to express the energy value of foods, equal to the heat energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Celsius.
In casual contexts, 'calorie' usually refers to the kilocalorie (kcal) found on food labels rather than the smaller scientific calorie.
Word relationships
- energy unit: 'Energy unit' is a broader category term, whereas calorie is a specific measurement unit.
Commonly confused with
- macronutrient: A calorie is a unit measuring energy content, whereas a macronutrient is a chemical compound (protein, fat, carbohydrate) that contains those calories.
Word family
- caloric (adjective): Relating to energy content or heat value.
- calorically (adverb): In terms of calorie content.
Collocations
- calorie deficit
- calorie surplus
- calorie intake
- burn calories
Example sentences
- "A calorie is a unit of heat or energy, and it may be defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of water one degree centigrade." Scientific literature (Wilbur Olin Atwater, 'The Chemical Composition of American Food Materials', 1899)
- "Tracking calorie intake helps individuals determine whether they are consuming sufficient energy for daily activities." Nutritional planning
Memory hook
Think of a 'calorie' as the 'heat' (calor) your body burns like fuel in an engine. Calor = Heat = Energy
When not to use
Do not confuse with general physical energy or feeling energetic; it specifically measures thermal potential energy in food.
Fun facts
- What we call a 'calorie' on food nutritional labels is actually a kilocalorie (1,000 scientific calories), enough heat to raise 1kg of water by 1°C.
Related words
Explore more words
caloric, nutrient-dense, Energy, nutritional, micronutrient, nutrient
Also appears in
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