thermostat

American  

[thur-muh-stat] / ˈθɜr məˌstæt /

noun

thermostats plural

1. a device, including a relay actuated by thermal conduction or convection, that functions to establish and maintain a desired temperature automatically or signals a change in temperature for manual adjustment.

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verb (used with object)

thermostatted, thermostated, thermostatting, thermostating

1. to equip or control with a thermostat.

thermostat British  

/ ˈθɜːməˌstæt /

noun

1. a device that maintains a system at a constant temperature. It often consists of a bimetallic strip that bends as it expands and contracts with temperature, thus breaking and making contact with an electrical power supply

2. a similar device that actuates equipment, such as a sprinkler, when a certain temperature is reached

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thermostat Scientific  

/ thûr′mə-stăt′ /

1. A device that automatically controls heating or cooling equipment in such a way as to maintain a temperature at a constant level or within a specified range, generally using a thermometer capable of triggering electrical switches that activate or deactivate the equipment.

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thermostat Cultural  

1. A device that monitors and automatically responds to changes in temperature and activates switches controlling devices such as furnaces or air conditioners.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• thermostatic
  adjective
• thermostatically
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• thermostats
  plural

Etymology

Origin of thermostat

First recorded in 1825–35; thermo- + -stat

Explanation

If your house is always too cold in the winter, you might need to adjust the thermostat, or the dial that controls the indoor temperature. Most devices that emit heat have a thermostat, which controls how hot or cold things get. Car engines, electric blankets, furnaces, and ovens are all equipped with thermostats so that people can change the temperature, or in the case of cars, so that the car itself can keep the engine at the ideal temperature. The noun thermostat comes from the Greek word for heat, thermos, plus statos, or "a standing."

Example Sentences

Still, if those caveats don’t bother you, Amazon’s Smart Thermostat is a great option to consider, one that could potentially help you save money on energy bills.

From The Verge • Jul. 30, 2022

The origins of Thread go back to 2011 and the first Nest Thermostat.

From The Verge • Jul. 29, 2022

Alternatively, you can buy the third-gen Google Nest Learning Thermostat for $229 instead of $279 when you use the code VERGE50.

From The Verge • Jun. 3, 2022

Best Buy is selling the refurbished white Google Nest Thermostat for $59.99 instead of $129, which is the price if you were to buy it new.

From The Verge • May 27, 2022

Thermostat heat regulator installed in living room is desirable.

From Better Homes in America Plan Book for Demonstration Week October 9 to 14, 1922 by Meloney, Mrs W.B.

Related Words

• manager