Meaning & Definition of word "Furnace"
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Furnace
/ˈfɜrnəs/
noun:
- 1. A structure or apparatus in which heat is generated.
- Example: The furnace was blasting heat, making the whole house warm during the winter.
- 2. A device used for melting or smelting metal.
- Example: The blacksmith heated the iron in the furnace until it was red hot.
- 3. A metaphorical place or situation characterized by intense heat or pressure.
- Example: The startup was a furnace of innovation, with ideas being tested and developed rapidly.
Etymology
Middle English fornes, from Latin fornax, fornacis.
Common Phrases and Expressions
furnace of affliction:
A metaphorical term for a severe trial or hardship.
furnace room:
The room housing the furnace in a building.
to fire in a furnace:
To heat something intensely or metaphorically put someone through a challenging experience.
Related Words
boiler:
A vessel in which water is boiled to generate steam.
heating:
The process of making something warmer.
kiln:
An oven used for firing ceramic materials.
incinerator:
A device for burning waste material.
Slang Meanings of furnace
Meaning: Slang term for a hot environment.
Example Sentence: It's a furnace out there today!
Meaning: A place of intense competition.
Example Sentence: That startup scene is a real furnace right now.