afterburn
noun
af·ter·burn
ˈaf-tər-ˌbərn
1
: a hot, spicy, or burning sensation that remains in the mouth after consumption of a food or beverage
And at 13.5 percent alcohol, it leaves a noticeable afterburn on the palate.—Howard G. Goldberg
2
: a period of lingering anger, fear, bitterness, etc., that follows a painful or traumatic event
… the afterburn of a hateful divorce.—Gillian Flynn
3
: the consumption of calories by the body in the period following exercise
Is the afterburn real? Whether the metabolism speeds up for hours after exercise is an old question, and studies over the years have produced mixed results.—News and Observer (Raleigh, North Carolina)
Cite this Entry
“Afterburn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afterburn. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.
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