high-calorie

The word is a modern English compound adjective formed in the 20th century, directly combining two established English words. 'High' originates from the Old English hēah, a common Germanic term for elevation or greatness, which evolved to describe large measures or degrees. 'Calorie' entered English via French in the 19th century, tracing back to the Latin calor (heat), as it was originally defined as the heat needed to raise water's temperature. The compound's logic is transparent: it literally describes food possessing a 'great amount' of the 'energy units' (calories) that the body metabolizes, directly linking the quantitative measure to dietary science and nutrition.

Structure: high (great in amount/degree) + calorie (unit of energy) - high: From Old English hēah, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch hoog and German hoch. Functions as an adjective indicating a large degree or amount. - calorie: From French calorie, from Latin calor (heat). Functions as a noun denoting a unit of heat or energy.