Hothouse: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is commonly used when referring to an environment where conditions are controlled and optimized for growing plants that require a warmer climate. It can also metaphorically describe a place or situation that encourages rapid development, usually with intense pressure.

• The orchids thrived in the hothouse environment, flourishing under carefully regulated conditions.
• The startup operated in a hothouse atmosphere, pushing for rapid innovation and growth.

A very common term for a structure where plants are grown in a controlled environment. It can be made of glass, plastic, or other materials and is used for both hobby and commercial gardening.

• She spent the morning tending to her tomatoes in the backyard greenhouse.
• The botanical research center has several greenhouses dedicated to studying plant genetics.

This term is often used interchangeably with 'greenhouse' but specifically emphasizes the structure being made primarily of glass. It might carry a slightly more elegant or traditional connotation, sometimes implying a historical or architectural significance.

• The botanical garden featured an impressive glasshouse filled with exotic plants.
• Victorian glasshouses are often found in historical estates, showcasing the era's horticultural achievements.

A 'hothouse' typically refers to a heated greenhouse where plants that require more warmth can grow. It can also metaphorically describe an environment that encourages rapid growth or development.

• The laboratory was a hothouse of innovation, with new experiments being conducted daily.
• The hothouse conditions in the startup culture pushed the team to develop their product at an unprecedented pace.

A 'pressure cooker' metaphorically describes a place or situation where there is a lot of stress or pressure, often leading to an explosive outcome. The term usually carries a slightly negative connotation.

• The corporate office became a pressure cooker during the merger, with everyone fearing for their jobs.
• High school can be a pressure cooker for students aiming to get into top universities.

An 'intense environment' refers to a situation or place where the conditions are highly stimulating, demanding, or stressful. It doesn’t hold a physical application like 'hothouse' or 'greenhouse'.

• Working as an emergency doctor is an intense environment, requiring quick decision-making and constant alertness.
• The intense environment of the investment firm pushes analysts to work long hours under tight deadlines.