simmer

 
Pronunciation: /ˈsɪmə/

verb

[no object]
  • (of water or food that is being heated) stay just below boiling point while bubbling gently: the goulash was simmering slowly in the oven
  • [with object] keep (food) just below boiling point when cooking or heating it: simmer the sauce gently until thickened
  • exist in a suppressed state: the disagreement simmered for years and eventually boiled over
  • show or feel barely suppressed anger or other strong emotion: she was simmering with resentment
  • (simmer down) become calmer and quieter: she gave him time to simmer down after their argument

noun

[in singular]
  • a state or temperature just below boiling point: bring the water to a simmer

Origin:

mid 17th century: alteration of dialect simper (in the same sense), perhaps imitative