heater

[hee-ter]

noun

1. any of various apparatus for heating, especially for heating water or the air in a room.

2. Electronics.,  the element of a vacuum tube that carries the current for heating a cathode.

3. Slang.,  a pistol, revolver, or other firearm.

heater

/ ˈhiːtə /

noun

1. any device for supplying heat, such as a hot-air blower, radiator, convector, etc

2. slang,  a pistol

3. electronics a conductor carrying a current that indirectly heats the cathode in some types of valve

Other Word Forms

• reheater noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of heater¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; heat + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The climate is comfortable without either, except for a few weeks in January when I use a space heater.

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Your poinsettias will do fine in the house or on a sheltered porch, as long as they don’t experience big temperature swings like sitting next to a heater.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Portable heaters can be an alternative to switching on your central heating, but they can pose a serious fire hazard if not used carefully.

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If you are staying in one room for a long time, you may want to use a portable electric heater instead of turning on your central heating system.

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If landlords can’t raise rents to cover their costs—including repairs, insurance and utilities—they won’t fix the leaky pipes or water heater.

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Related Words

• boiler 
• fastball 
• furnace 
• oven 
• radiator 
• stove