termico
/ˈtɛr.mi.ko/
The Italian word for thermal is termico.
The adjective describes things that provide efficient insulation so as to keep the body warm. Common expressions include isolamento termico (thermal insulation), dispersione termica (thermal dispersion), dilatazione termica (thermal expansion) and centrale termoelettrica (thermal power plant). When referring to water or natural features, sorgenti termali and acque termali both mean hot springs and you can use terme or centro termale to refer to thermal baths.
Meaning: providing efficient insulation so as to keep the body warm (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use the masculine singular termico for masculine singular nouns like abbigliamento termico (thermal clothing). For masculine plural nouns, use termici, such as in scambi termici (thermal exchanges). Use the feminine singular form termica for feminine singular nouns, and the feminine plural form termiche for feminine plural nouns, such as sorgenti termiche (thermal springs).
Did you know?
- While termico describes the scientific concept of heat, you use the word caldo to describe the sensation of heat on your skin. Calling a person termico would not mean they are warm, but would sound like a scientific classification.
- Italy has a specialized legal and medical category called termalismo, which governs the use of thermal waters for health treatments under medical supervision.
- The word terme is a direct descendant of the Roman 'thermae', the massive public bathing complexes that were central to social and political life in Ancient Rome.
Examples in context
- L'energia termica è una forma di energia cineticaThermal energy is a form of kinetic energy
- Il sistema termico di questa casa è altamente efficienteThe thermal system of this house is highly efficient
- Questa giacca è realizzata con materiali termici che mantengono il caloreThis jacket is made with thermal materials that preserve warmth
- Ho prenotato un weekend alle terme per rilassarmiI booked a weekend at the thermal baths to relax
- La regione è famosa per le sue incantevoli sorgenti termaliThe region is famous for its enchanting hot springs
- L'isolamento termico di questa casa è davvero efficienteThe thermal insulation of this house is really efficient
- La centrale termoelettrica fornisce energia a diverse cittàThe thermal power plant supplies energy to several cities
- La dilatazione termica dei metalli è un fenomeno ben notoThermal expansion of metals is a well-known phenomenon
- Questo intimo ha un isolamento termico eccellente.This underwear has excellent thermal insulation.
- Abbiamo bisogno di un sacco a pelo termico.We need a thermal sleeping bag.
- Indossa una giacca con rivestimento termico.Wear a jacket with thermal lining.
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are preparing for a hiking trip in the mountains.
- MatteoHai preso il tuo sacco a pelo termico?Did you take your thermal sleeping bag?
- ChiaraSì, l'ho messo nello zaino stamattina.Yes, I put it in the backpack this morning.
- MatteoBene, farà molto freddo di notte.Good, it will be very cold at night.
- ChiaraNon preoccuparti, sono preparata.Don't worry, I am prepared.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry termico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
