hearthstone

American  

[hahrth-stohn] / ˈhɑrθˌstoʊn /

noun

1. a stone forming a hearth.

2. home; fireside; hearth.

3. a soft stone, or a preparation of powdered stone and clay, used to whiten or scour hearths, steps, floors, etc.

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hearthstone British  

/ ˈhɑːθˌstəʊn /

noun

1. a stone that forms a hearth

2. a less common word for hearth

3. soft stone used to clean and whiten floors, steps, etc

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Etymology

Origin of hearthstone

First recorded in 1275–1325, hearthstone is from the Middle English word hertston. See hearth, stone

Example Sentences

We had soon settled on the hearthstones, the fire warm on our faces.

From Literature

For the next century or so, the rubble provided doorsteps and hearthstone for the local populace and mortar for the building trade, while the Turkish garrison used the carved figures for target practice.

From New York Times

“You are better, then. You may sit you down in my chair on the hearthstone, if you will.”

From Literature

Rapidly Ranofer explained the hearthstone mold, a stone ground flat, with a bar-shaped depression in the center and little grooves scraped from it to let the air out.

From Literature

Only he had left in wizardly fashion a message of silver-scrawled runes on the hearthstone, that faded even as Ogion read them: “Master, I go hunting.”

From Literature

Related Words

• fireplace