calorie
KAL-uh-ree
/ˈkæləri/
A unit of energy, often used to measure the energy value of foods.
In nutrition, we actually use 'kilocalories' (1,000 calories), but we just call them 'calories' for simplicity.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'calor', meaning 'heat'. It was originally defined as the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius.
Word relationships
- kilocalorie: The technically accurate term for the 'calories' listed on food labels.
Commonly confused with
- joule: A joule is the metric unit of energy; 1 calorie is approximately 4.18 joules.
Word family
- caloric (adjective): Relating to heat or calories.
- calorimeter (noun): An apparatus for measuring the amount of heat involved in a chemical reaction.
Collocations
- calorie count
- burn calories
- empty calories
Example sentences
- "To lose weight, one must generally maintain a calorie deficit, consuming less energy than the body burns." Weight management
- "The FDA requires most food manufacturers to list the number of calories per serving on the package." Food labeling
Memory hook
Calories are 'Heat' for your body's fire. A unit of heat.
When not to use
In physics, a calorie is a very small unit; in food, it is the large unit.
Fun facts
- The 'calorie' was once thought to be an actual invisible fluid called 'caloric' that flowed from hot objects to cold ones.
Related words
Explore more words
caloric, nutrient-dense, Energy, nutritional, micronutrient, nutrient
Also appears in
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