hotbed

American  

[hot-bed] / ˈhɒtˌbɛd /

noun

1. a bottomless, boxlike, usually glass-covered structure and the bed of earth it covers, heated typically by fermenting manure or electrical cables, for growing plants out of season.

2. a place or environment favoring rapid growth or spread, especially of something disliked or unwanted.

   a hotbed of disease.

3. Slang. a bed shared by two or more persons in shifts, each sleeping in it for or at a designated time and then vacating it for the next occupant.

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verb (used without object)

hotbedded, hotbedding

1. Slang. to share a bed in shifts, so that it is always occupied.

hotbed British  

/ ˈhɒtˌbɛd /

noun

1. a glass-covered bed of soil, usually heated by fermenting material, used for propagating plants, forcing early vegetables, etc

2. a place offering ideal conditions for the growth of an idea, activity, etc, esp one considered bad

   a hotbed of insurrection

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Etymology

Origin of hotbed

First recorded in 1620–30; hot + bed

Example Sentences

The south west of the country is a particular hotbed, with six of the 10 Team GB curlers having links to the area.

From BBC

“Minnesota in general has been the hotbed of traditional progressive politics,” Sonnenfeld says.

From Los Angeles Times

The spy scandal has revived fears that Austria remains a hotbed of Russian espionage activity and observers will also be watching closely for details that could emerge about Marsalek.

From BBC

Universities, a hotbed of protests, are still closed.

From The Wall Street Journal

DALLAS—This city is a hotbed for commercial property.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• heart
• hub
• place