Glasshouse: meaning, definitions and examples

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glasshouse

[ˈɡlɑːshaʊs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in agriculture

A glasshouse is a building with glass walls and a glass roof, especially one in which plants are grown that need protection from cold weather.

Synonyms

greenhouse, hothouse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
glasshouse	Also can refer to a prison or a place of confinement, which is a less common and more negative usage. He spent three years in a glasshouse for committing that crime
greenhouse	Commonly used in both American and British English, it refers to a structure with walls and roof made chiefly of transparent material, like glass, used for growing plants. My grandmother grows the most beautiful roses in her greenhouse
hothouse	Often refers to a greenhouse that is intentionally kept at high temperatures to cultivate tropical plants. This word can also have a metaphorical use, referring to environments encouraging rapid growth or intense activity. They keep orchids in the hothouse to ensure they receive the necessary warmth The school is a hothouse for young entrepreneurs

Word

Description / Examples

glasshouse

Also can refer to a prison or a place of confinement, which is a less common and more negative usage.

He spent three years in a glasshouse for committing that crime

greenhouse

Commonly used in both American and British English, it refers to a structure with walls and roof made chiefly of transparent material, like glass, used for growing plants.

My grandmother grows the most beautiful roses in her greenhouse

hothouse

Often refers to a greenhouse that is intentionally kept at high temperatures to cultivate tropical plants. This word can also have a metaphorical use, referring to environments encouraging rapid growth or intense activity.

They keep orchids in the hothouse to ensure they receive the necessary warmth
The school is a hothouse for young entrepreneurs

Examples of usage

The tomatoes are grown in a glasshouse.
She works in a large glasshouse in the countryside.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

figurative

A situation or place that is very protected from the outside world and where people have little contact with other people.

Synonyms

bubble, ivory tower.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
glasshouse	Use when talking about a building made entirely or mostly of glass, usually for growing plants that need controlled conditions. The gardener spent most of his time in the glasshouse tending to the delicate flowers
bubble	Utilize this for describing a small pocket of air or gas in a liquid or for figurative speech about being isolated from real-world problems. Jim felt like he was living in a bubble, unaware of the struggles happening around him
ivory tower	Select this in a figurative sense to describe a situation where someone is out of touch with everyday problems, usually because they are isolated by their social or economic status. It often carries a negative connotation. The professor was criticized for his ivory tower mentality, as his theories had little relevance to real-world issues

Word

Description / Examples

glasshouse

Use when talking about a building made entirely or mostly of glass, usually for growing plants that need controlled conditions.

The gardener spent most of his time in the glasshouse tending to the delicate flowers

bubble

Utilize this for describing a small pocket of air or gas in a liquid or for figurative speech about being isolated from real-world problems.

Jim felt like he was living in a bubble, unaware of the struggles happening around him

ivory tower

Select this in a figurative sense to describe a situation where someone is out of touch with everyday problems, usually because they are isolated by their social or economic status. It often carries a negative connotation.

The professor was criticized for his ivory tower mentality, as his theories had little relevance to real-world issues

Examples of usage

Living in a glasshouse, she had little idea of real life.
He grew up in a glasshouse, shielded from the harsh realities of the world.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'glasshouse' emerged in the 17th century as a literal description of houses or structures made primarily from glass.
In the 19th century, 'glasshouse' was also used to refer to structures called greenhouses specifically for plant cultivation.
The word reflects the combination of 'glass', derived from Old English, meaning a transparent substance, and 'house', denoting a shelter or place.

Architecture

Famous glasshouses include the Crystal Palace, built for the 1851 Great Exhibition in London, showcasing the potential of glass in architecture.
Modern glasshouses often feature sustainable design, using glass to enhance natural light while promoting energy efficiency.
Glass architecture has become a symbol of modernism, bridging indoor and outdoor spaces effectively.

Botany

Glasshouses create optimal growing conditions, controlling temperature and humidity for various plants, especially tropical species.
They are essential for scientific research in horticulture, providing controlled environments to study plant growth.
Some glasshouses are designed specifically for endangered plant species conservation efforts.

Cultural References

Glasshouses often symbolize transparency and openness in literature and films, reflecting characters' inner thoughts and feelings.
In the world of music, the song 'Glasshouse' by popular artists conveys themes of vulnerability and fragility in relationships.
Glasshouses frequently appear in visual art, representing clarity and beauty contrasted with the fragility of life.

Environmental Impact

Glasshouses can contribute to food sustainability by allowing year-round cultivation of crops, reducing reliance on transported produce.
However, they require significant energy for heating, leading to ongoing discussions about their environmental footprint.
Innovative designs are focusing on using solar power and rainwater collection in glasshouses to minimize their ecological impact.

Translations

Translations of the word "glasshouse" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estufa

🇮🇳 काचघर

🇩🇪 Gewächshaus

🇮🇩 rumah kaca

🇺🇦 теплиця

🇵🇱 szklarnia

🇯🇵 温室 (おんしつ)

🇫🇷 serre

🇪🇸 invernadero

🇹🇷 sera

🇰🇷 온실

🇸🇦 دفيئة

🇨🇿 skleník

🇸🇰 skleník

🇨🇳 温室 (wēnshì)

🇸🇮 rastlinjak

🇮🇸 gróðurhús

🇰🇿 жылыжай

🇬🇪 სათბური

🇦🇿 istixana

🇲🇽 invernadero