Furnace: meaning, definitions and examples

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furnace

[ˈfɜːrnɪs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

heating system

A furnace is a device used for heating a building or room. It works by burning fuel such as gas or oil to produce heat, which is then distributed throughout the space.

Synonyms

boiler, heater, stove.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
furnace	Typically used to describe a device that heats a building, especially in colder climates. It can also refer to high-temperature heating devices used in industrial settings. The furnace kicked in to warm the house during the winter storm. The glass was melted in a high-temperature furnace.
heater	Refers to any device that provides heat. This can include portable room heaters, water heaters, or central heating systems. It is a general term. I turned on the electric heater because it was getting chilly. Our water heater needs to be replaced soon.
boiler	Commonly refers to a device used to heat water for various systems, such as central heating, steam production, or providing hot water. Often used in homes, buildings, and industrial settings. The boiler broke down, and now there's no hot water. The factory uses a large boiler to generate steam.
stove	Usually refers to a kitchen appliance used for cooking, which can generate heat from gas, electricity, or other fuels. It can also refer to a heating device used in a room. She cooked dinner on the gas stove. We bought a wood-burning stove to keep the cabin warm.

Examples of usage

The furnace in our house keeps us warm during the winter.
The repairman came to fix the furnace when it stopped working.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

metallurgy

In metallurgy, a furnace is a structure in which heat is used to melt metals or other materials. It is often used in industrial processes for shaping and forming metals.

Synonyms

forge, kiln, oven.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
furnace	Applicable for heating systems in buildings or for industrial use to melt metals. The furnace in the factory needs to be repaired. During winter, the furnace keeps the house warm.
kiln	Used to fire ceramics, dry wood, or harden clay bricks. The pottery was placed in the kiln to harden. The artist waited for the kiln to reach the necessary temperature.
oven	Commonly used in kitchens for cooking food or baking. She placed the cake in the oven to bake. The pizza needs to be cooked in a preheated oven.
forge	Primarily used for blacksmithing, shaping metal by heating and hammering. The blacksmith skillfully worked at his forge, creating intricate designs. He heated the metal in the forge before shaping it.

Examples of usage

The steel was melted in the furnace to create the final product.
The workers used the furnace to heat the metal to a high temperature.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'fornax', which means oven, highlighting its heat-producing function.
In Old French, it became 'fornaisse', referring to a place where heat is generated.
Variations of the word appear in several languages, showing its significance across cultures.

Historical Significance

The earliest furnaces date back to ancient civilizations for smelting metals, like bronze.
In the Middle Ages, furnaces were commonly used in homes, marking the move from open fires to enclosed heating.
Industrial furnaces revolutionized manufacturing in the 19th century, allowing mass production.

Pop Culture

Furnaces often appear in horror movies as spooky settings, emphasizing their dark, hot environments.
In literature, they can symbolize transformation or change, much like a phoenix rising from ashes.
Fireside tales and ghost stories often revolve around the warmth and danger a furnace represents.

Science

Furnaces can operate using various energy sources, including electricity, gas, and even biomass.
They play a crucial role in metallurgy, enabling the melting of metals at high temperatures for shaping and alloying.
In chemistry, furnaces are essential for processes like calcination, which helps remove volatile components from materials.

Engineering

Modern furnace designs include features for improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprints.
High-efficiency furnaces can use up to 98% of the fuel consumed, cutting down on energy waste.
Smart technology has begun integrating with furnaces for automated temperature controls and maintenance alerts.

Translations

Translations of the word "furnace" in other languages:

🇵🇹 forno

🇮🇳 भट्टी

🇩🇪 Ofen

🇮🇩 tungku

🇺🇦 піч

🇵🇱 piec

🇯🇵 炉 (ろ)

🇫🇷 four

🇪🇸 horno

🇹🇷 fırın

🇰🇷 용광로

🇸🇦 فرن

🇨🇿 pec

🇸🇰 pec

🇨🇳 炉 (lú)

🇸🇮 peč

🇮🇸 ofn

🇰🇿 пеш

🇬🇪 ღუმელი

🇦🇿 sobaka

🇲🇽 horno

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,910, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3907 killing
3908 array
3909 survive
3910 furnace
3911 diverse
3912 cleaning
3913 prejudice
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