A division of an event when there are too many swimmers to compete at the same time. The results are compiled by swimmers time swam, after all heats of the event are completed.

Each event is divided into heats. The number of heats depends upon the number of swimmers entered in that event and the number of lanes the pool is using. For example: in an event has 36 swimmers entered and the pool is using 6 lanes then there will be 6 heats. Heats are usually swum slowest to fastest meaning the slowest times will swim in the first heat and the fastest times will be swum in the last heat.

the division of a bobsled or skeleton race into sections. The combined time from a team's heats determine its ranking. A lower time equals a higher status

or periods of fertility occur seasonally in female animals. Dogs come into heat twice a year. Heats last about two weeks. A bloody vaginal discharge may be noticed in the first week. Female dogs should not be bred until their second heat cycle. Cats come into heat seasonally beginning in January until July and may be in heat every two weeks during this time. The most obvious signs of heat are your cat's increased roaming, excessive friendliness or howling. Keep your pet confined indoors if you don't want her to become pregnant.