Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Extremely fast; capable of rapid response and high speed: Used to describe a pace, speed, or performance that is exceptionally quick.
   • Intensely hot; hot enough to cause blisters: Used to describe extreme heat, often from the sun or a surface, that could burn the skin.
   • Harsh, severe, or corrosive in tone: Used to describe criticism, remarks, or language that is very sharp, bitter, or scathing.

2. Noun:

   • The formation of blisters (vesicles) in or beneath the skin: The medical or physical process where fluid-filled bumps appear on the skin, typically due to burning, friction, or disease.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The runner set a blistering pace from the start of the marathon.
  • We sought shade from the blistering sun.
  • The article contained blistering criticism of the government's new policy.

• Noun:

  • The blistering on his hands was caused by the chemical burn.

Advanced Usage

• "at a blistering pace/speed": moving or progressing with extreme rapidity.
  • The new technology is advancing at a blistering pace.
• "blistering heat": intense, scorching heat.
  • The desert is known for its blistering heat during the day.

Variants and Related Words

• Blister (verb/noun): To form blisters; a small bubble on the skin filled with fluid.
  • The new shoes blistered my heels.
• Blistered (adjective): Having blisters.
  • He had blistered feet after the long hike.

Synonyms

• Adjective (fast): Breakneck, scorching, rapid.
• Adjective (hot): Scorching, searing, sweltering.
• Adjective (harsh): Scathing, vitriolic, caustic, acerbic.
• Noun: Vesiculation.

Related Phrases

• "blistering attack": A very harsh and aggressive verbal or written assault.
  • The politician launched a blistering attack on his opponent during the debate.
• "blistering performance": An exceptionally fast or impressive performance.
  • The athlete put in a blistering performance to win the gold medal.

Adjective

1. very fast; capable of quick response and great speed
   • a hot sports car
   • a blistering pace
   • got off to a hot start
   • in hot pursuit
   • a red-hot line drive
2. hot enough to raise (or as if to raise) blisters
   • blistering sun
3. harsh or corrosive in tone
   • an acerbic tone piercing otherwise flowery prose
   • a barrage of acid comments
   • her acrid remarks make her many enemies
   • bitter words
   • blistering criticism
   • caustic jokes about political assassination, talk-show hosts and medical ethics
   • a sulfurous denunciation
   • a vitriolic critique

Noun

1. the formation of vesicles in or beneath the skin