heater

American  

[hee-ter] / ˈhi tər /

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.

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heater British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• reheater noun

Etymology

Origin of heater

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

Example Sentences

The school has instead had to rely on heaters placed throughout the school, some of which have been donated by parents.

From BBC

Qualifying expenses are energy-efficient exterior doors and windows, solar panels, heat pumps, water heaters, and biomass stoves and boilers.

From Barron's

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From 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.

From BBC

Related Words

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