thermostat

American  

[thur-muh-stat] / ˈθɜr məˌstæt /

noun

1. a device, including a relay actuated by thermal conduction or convection, that functions to establish and maintain a desired temperature automatically or signals a change in temperature for manual adjustment.

---

verb (used with object)

thermostatted, thermostated, thermostatting, thermostating

1. to equip or control with a thermostat.

thermostat British  

/ ˈθɜːməˌstæt /

noun

1. a device that maintains a system at a constant temperature. It often consists of a bimetallic strip that bends as it expands and contracts with temperature, thus breaking and making contact with an electrical power supply

2. a similar device that actuates equipment, such as a sprinkler, when a certain temperature is reached

---

thermostat Scientific  

/ thûr′mə-stăt′ /

1. A device that automatically controls heating or cooling equipment in such a way as to maintain a temperature at a constant level or within a specified range, generally using a thermometer capable of triggering electrical switches that activate or deactivate the equipment.

---

thermostat Cultural  

1. A device that monitors and automatically responds to changes in temperature and activates switches controlling devices such as furnaces or air conditioners.

---

Other Word Forms

• thermostatic
  adjective
• thermostatically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of thermostat

First recorded in 1825–35; thermo- + -stat

Explanation

If your house is always too cold in the winter, you might need to adjust the thermostat, or the dial that controls the indoor temperature. Most devices that emit heat have a thermostat, which controls how hot or cold things get. Car engines, electric blankets, furnaces, and ovens are all equipped with thermostats so that people can change the temperature, or in the case of cars, so that the car itself can keep the engine at the ideal temperature. The noun thermostat comes from the Greek word for heat, thermos, plus statos, or "a standing."

Example Sentences

It has the model number A4R-G6ZUC, which is similar to IDs assigned to not only the previous Nest Wifi but also the Nest Mini, Thermostat, and even the Google Glass.

From The Verge • Aug. 15, 2022

It may not have the smarts of the older Nest Learning Thermostat, but it’s a fine option if you’re in Google’s ecosystem.

From The Verge • Aug. 12, 2022

Admittedly, the Google Nest Thermostat is not as great as the older Google Nest Learning Thermostat, and it doesn’t adapt to your habits.

From The Verge • Jul. 15, 2022

Best Buy is selling the refurbished white Google Nest Thermostat for $59.99 instead of $129, which is the price if you were to buy it new.

From The Verge • May 27, 2022

Tom Checked the Thermostat "Well, that's that," yawned the young inventor at length, locking up his desk.

From Tom Swift and His Giant Telescope by Gary, James

Related Words

• manager