hotbox

or hot box

[ hot-boks ]

noun

, Railroads.

1. a journal box overheated by excessive friction of an axle as a result of inadequate lubrication or the presence of foreign matter.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hotbox¹

First recorded in 1835–45; hot + box ¹

Example Sentences

The hotbox atmosphere Jones promotes seems to bring out the unhinged in the elected officials who come on with him.

From The Daily Beast

Mr. Weil, who knew both the gentlemen well, inquired what they thought of Mrs. Hotbox's production.

From Project Gutenberg

A hotbox delayed it thirty minutes on one occasion but it was carefully watched.

From Project Gutenberg

It is the five minutes' sleep and the good laugh that keep his brain from becoming a hotbox—he gets his rest!

From Project Gutenberg

I hope you made no mistake in rejecting that book of Mrs. Hotbox.

From Project Gutenberg