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heat index
[ heet in-deks ]
noun
, Meteorology.
- a formulaically calculated approximation of how hot it feels given the temperature of the air combined with the relative humidity, based on the fact that an actual temperature will feel warmer as the relative humidity rises and causes a decrease in the natural evaporative cooling from perspiration. : HI, H.I.
heat index
- A measurement of the air temperature in relation to the relative humidity, used as an indicator of discomfort. The heat index is higher when high air temperatures occur with high humidity, and lower when they occur with low humidity. The heat index is based on studies of skin cooling caused by the evaporation of sweat.
- Also called apparent temperature
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Word History and Origins
Origin of heat index1
First recorded in 1975–80
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Example Sentences
Large sweat stains were visible on his shirt and jacket as the heat index approached 95 degrees.
From The Daily Beast
The tourmaline has a light-refractive index of 1.63, with a heat index of none, being to heat-rays completely opaque.
From Project Gutenberg
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