Heater Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
heater
[หhiหtษr ]
Definitions
in a house
A device used to heat a room or building. It typically uses electricity, gas, or oil to generate heat.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| heater |
Use when referring to a general device that generates heat and is often portable. Commonly used in everyday situations where you need to warm a single room or small area.
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| furnace |
Use when referring to a large heating system used for central heating of a whole building or house. Often found in basements and typically serves multiple rooms through ductwork.
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| radiator |
Use when referring to a device that transfers heat to a room from hot water or steam. Common in traditional and older heating systems, especially in places with central heating.
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| stove |
Use when referring to an appliance mainly used for cooking but can also refer to a wood-burning or pellet stove used to heat a room. Typically found in kitchens for the purpose of preparing food.
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Examples of usage
- The heater in my bedroom broke, so now it's freezing in there.
- I turned on the heater to warm up the house before my guests arrived.
for water
A system or device used to heat water, especially for bathing or washing purposes.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| heater |
Used for devices that generate heat to warm up a room or a specific area.
|
| boiler |
Refers to a device that heats water to generate steam, usually for central heating systems or industrial processes.
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| water tank |
Typically refers to a storage unit for holding water. It doesn't generate heat, but simply stores water for later use.
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| geyser |
Commonly used in British English to describe a device that heats water, typically for domestic use. It's particularly common in South Africa and India.
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Examples of usage
- I need to fix the water heater because the shower is only giving cold water.
- The hotel had a malfunction with the water heater, so they offered us a discount on the room.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- The first known heating systems were used by the ancient Romans who had hypocausts, a system of heating buildings from below.
- By the late 19th century, radiators became popular in urban homes to provide central heating.
Science
- Heaters often use electrical resistance or combustion processes to produce heat.
- Thermodynamics governs how heaters work, explaining the transfer of heat in various mediums such as air or water.
Culture
- In many homes around the world, heaters are essential during winter months for comfort and health.
- Seasonal traditions often revolve around using heaters, such as gathering around a fireplace during holidays.
Safety
- Many modern heaters are equipped with safety features like automatic shut-off to prevent fires.
- Itโs important to keep flammable materials away from heaters to reduce risk of accidents.
Origin of 'heater'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'heater' comes from the Old English word 'hรฆtere', meaning something that heats.
- In the 1800s, the term started being used more commonly to describe devices that produce warmth.
The word 'heater' originated from the Middle English word 'heter' which meant 'one who heats'. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century. The concept of heating devices has been essential throughout history, evolving from simple fireplaces to modern electric heaters and central heating systems.