furnace

American  

[fur-nis] / ˈfɜr nɪs /

noun

1. a structure or apparatus in which heat may be generated, as for heating houses, smelting ores, or producing steam.

2. a place characterized by intense heat.

   The volcano was a seething furnace.

3. Astronomy. Furnace, the constellation Fornax.

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verb (used with object)

furnaced, furnacing

1. to heat (a metal piece) in a furnace.

furnace British  

/ ˈfɜːnɪs /

noun

1. an enclosed chamber in which heat is produced to generate steam, destroy refuse, smelt or refine ores, etc

2. a very hot or stifling place

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Other Word Forms

• furnace-like adjective
• furnacelike adjective

Etymology

Origin of furnace

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English furneis, furnais, from Old French fornais, fournais, from Latin fornāc- (stem of fornāx “kiln, oven”), akin to formus “warm”

Example Sentences

In this study, the researchers turned their attention to a less studied source of pollution: wood burning in homes, including furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, and stoves.

From Science Daily

Traders are anticipating a big chunk of U.S. production will become blocked in frozen wells when heating demand is highest, necessitating a huge drawdown of domestic stockpiles to keep furnaces and boilers running.

From The Wall Street Journal

In a report, RBC’s James McGarragle says the Canadian steelmaker’s shift to electric arc furnace production and improving supply dynamics is setting the stage for a gradual earnings recovery.

From The Wall Street Journal

The sun blazes through the window in the stairwell, making the whole place feel like a furnace.

From Literature

Space Forge have sent a microwave-sized factory into orbit, and have demonstrated that its furnace can be switched on and reach temperatures of around 1,000C.

From BBC

Related Words

• boiler
• heater
• heating system
• incinerator
• kiln
• stove