Physics. Also 8–9 -ique. [a. F. calorique (invented by Lavoisier), f. L. calōr-em heat + -ique + -IC.]
1. The name given to a supposed elastic fluid, to which the phenomena of heat were formerly attributed. (Now generally abandoned, with the theory to which it belonged.)
[1791. E. Darwin, Bot. Gard., I. 8, note. This elastic matter of heat, termed Calorique in the new nomenclature of the French Academicians.]
1792. Phil. Trans., LXXXII. 88. The universally diffused caloric or matter of heat.
1801. Month. Mag., XII. 581. The laws of this calorique (or whatever it is to be called).
1826. J. Wilson, Noct. Ambr., Wks. 1855, I. 84.
| Poor Vulcan has recently got | |
| A lingo that’s almost historic, | |
| And can tell you that iron is hot, | |
| Because it is filled with caloric! |
1834. Mrs. Somerville, Connex. Phys. Sc., xxv. (1849), 238. The rays of caloric which produce the sensation of heat.
1864. Max Müller, Sc. Lang., Ser. II. xii. 579. Till very lately, Caloric was a term in constant use, and it was supposed to express some real matter.
2. Used simply for ‘heat’; also fig.
1794. Pearson, in Phil. Trans., LXXXIV. 386. Such a degree of caloric as was just sufficient to melt them.
1799. Southey, Nondescr., iii. Wks. III. 63. A wretch … Who swells with calorique.
1870. Emerson, Soc. & Solit., Eloquence, Wks. (Bohn), III. 24. The additional caloric of a multitude.
3. Comb. caloric-engine, the name given by Ericsson to his improved hot-air-engine.
1853. in Proc. Amer. Phil. Soc., V. 305. The experimental trial of the caloric-engine vessel.
1883. Daily News, 10 Sept., 6/1. Two small caloric engines.
