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      Furnace

      /ˈfɜrnəs/

      Meaning & Definition

      noun
      A structure or apparatus in which heat is generated.
      The furnace was blasting heat, making the whole house warm during the winter.
      A device used for melting or smelting metal.
      The blacksmith heated the iron in the furnace until it was red hot.
      A metaphorical place or situation characterized by intense heat or pressure.
      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

      Slang term for a hot environment.
      It's a furnace out there today!
      A place of intense competition.
      That startup scene is a real furnace right now.