Ar'dor, n.

n. [Lat. ardor, from ardere, to burn; Pr. ardor, Fr. ardeur.]

1. Heat, in a literal sense; as, the ardor of the sun's rays.
2. Warmth, or heat of passion or affection; eagerness; as, he pursues study with ardor; they fought with ardor.

☞ Milton uses the word for person or spirit, bright and effulgent (“celestial ardor's”), but by an unusual license. Syn.—Fervor; warmth; eagerness. See FERVOR.