furnace

fur-nace · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An enclosed structure in which heat is produced for warming a building or for industrial purposes.

  2. 2.

    An industrial apparatus used for melting metals or heating materials to very high temperatures.

  3. 3.

    (Figurative) A place or situation that is extremely hot.

Forms

plural: furnaces

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    blast furnace — an industrial furnace for smelting iron
  • •
    like a furnace — extremely hot

Related words

See also: forge, heater, kiln, oven
Synonyms: forge, heater, kiln, oven

Etymology

From Old French fornais, from Latin fornax ("oven, kiln"), from fornus ("oven"). Related to formus ("warm").