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Webster 1913 Edition
Ardor
Ar′dor
,Noun.
[L.
ardor
, fr. ardere
to burn: cf. OF. ardor
, ardur
, F. ardeur
.] [Spelt also
ardour
.] 1.
Heat, in a literal sense;
as, the
. ardor
of the sun’s rays2.
Warmth or heat of passion or affection; eagerness; zeal;
as, he pursues study with
ardor
; the fought with ardor
; martial ardor
.3.
pl.
Bright and effulgent spirits; seraphim.
[Thus used by Milton.]
Syn. – Fervor; warmth; eagerness. See
Fervor
. Webster 1828 Edition
Ardor
'ARDOR
,Noun.
1.
Heat, in a literal sense; as, the ardor of the sun's rays.2.
Warmth, or heat, applied to the passions and affections; eagerness; as, he pursues study with ardor; they fought with ardor.Milton uses the word for person or spirit bright and effulgent, but by an unusual license.