Definition

1. Noun:
   • A unit of energy in physics and chemistry: A calorie (often called a "small calorie" or "gram calorie") is defined as the approximate amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius at a pressure of one atmosphere.
   • A unit of energy in nutrition and food science: A Calorie (capitalized, also called a "large calorie," "kilogram calorie," or kilocalorie) is equal to 1,000 small calories. It is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Celsius. This is the unit used to measure the energy content of food and drink.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The physics experiment measured the heat released in calories.
  • Nutrition labels list the energy content of food in Calories.
  • An apple typically contains about 95 Calories.

Advanced Usage

• "Empty calories": Refers to food or drink that provides energy (calories) but little to no nutritional value, such as sugary sodas.

  • Many health experts advise against consuming too many empty calories.

• "Calorie-dense": Describes food that has a high number of calories relative to its weight or volume.

  • Nuts are calorie-dense, so portion control is important.

• "Calorie deficit": A state where you consume fewer calories than your body expends, often associated with weight loss.

  • To lose weight, you generally need to maintain a calorie deficit.

Variants and Related Words

• Kilocalorie (kcal) (n): A unit of energy equal to 1,000 small calories; this is the "Calorie" used on food labels.

  • The term "Calorie" on a food package is technically a kilocalorie.

• Calorific (adj): Relating to the amount of energy contained in food or fuel.

  • Coal has a high calorific value.

Synonyms

• Energy unit: A general term for a measurement of energy.
• Kilojoule (kJ) (n): A metric unit of energy often used alongside or instead of calories in some countries. One Calorie (kcal) is approximately 4.184 kilojoules.

Related Phrases

• "Burn calories": To expend energy through physical activity.

  • Running helps you burn a lot of calories.

• "Count calories": To track the number of calories consumed in food and drink.

  • Some people count calories to manage their weight.

Related Idioms

• "A calorie is a calorie": A debated phrase suggesting that, from a purely energy-balance perspective, the source of a calorie doesn't matter for weight gain or loss. However, nutritionally, the source is very important.
  • While "a calorie is a calorie" for weight management, 100 calories of vegetables nourish your body differently than 100 calories of candy.

Noun

1. unit of heat defined as the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 degree centigrade at atmospheric pressure
2. a unit of heat equal to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree at one atmosphere pressure; used by nutritionists to characterize the energy-producing potential in food