Hothouse: meaning, definitions and examples

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hothouse

[ˈhɒtˌhaʊs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

greenhouse

A hothouse is a heated building used for the cultivation of plants.

Synonyms

glasshouse, greenhouse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hothouse	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.
greenhouse	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.
glasshouse	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.

Word

Description / Examples

hothouse

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.

greenhouse

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.

glasshouse

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.

Examples of usage

Hothouses are commonly used to grow exotic plants in colder climates.
The hothouse at the botanical garden is filled with colorful flowers.
The hothouse provides the ideal conditions for tropical plants to thrive.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

intense environment

Informally, a hothouse can refer to an intense, competitive environment or situation.

Synonyms

intense environment, pressure cooker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hothouse	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.
pressure cooker	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.
intense environment	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.

Word

Description / Examples

hothouse

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.

pressure cooker

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.

intense environment

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.

Examples of usage

The tech industry can sometimes feel like a hothouse of innovation and pressure.
The academic program creates a hothouse atmosphere for students to excel.
The political campaign was a hothouse of activity and strategy.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'hothouse' comes from the combination of 'hot' and 'house,' describing a structure for keeping plants warm.
Initially used in the 17th century, it referred to any building that maintained high temperatures for plant growth.
The word evolved as horticulture developed, with hothouses becoming crucial for cultivating exotic plants.

Botany

Plants in a hothouse can thrive in climates they wouldn't normally survive, such as tropical species in cooler regions.
Hothouses often utilize glass or plastic to trap heat and sunlight, creating an ideal environment for growth.
They act as controlled environments, allowing scientists to study plant behavior under different conditions.

Cultural Significance

Hothouses played an essential role in the Victorian era, showcasing rare plants as symbols of wealth and sophistication.
Artists and writers have often depicted hothouses in their works, representing beauty, decay, or the fragility of life.
In the modern age, community hothouses promote sustainable practices by making gardening more accessible.

Technology

Advancements in climate control technology have led to more efficient hothouses that reduce energy costs and increase yields.
Hydroponics is sometimes integrated into hothouse systems, allowing plants to grow without soil in nutrient-rich water.
Smart technologies, like sensors and automation, are now used to monitor and maintain conditions inside hothouses.

Environmental Science

Hothouses help in growing food sustainably, particularly in urban areas with limited garden space.
They play a role in research for climate change impacts on agriculture by allowing scientists to simulate future conditions.
Some hothouses incorporate renewable energy sources, making them more eco-friendly compared to traditional farming methods.

Translations

Translations of the word "hothouse" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estufa

🇮🇳 गर्मघर

🇩🇪 Gewächshaus

🇮🇩 rumah kaca

🇺🇦 теплиця

🇵🇱 szklarnia

🇯🇵 温室 (おんしつ)

🇫🇷 serre

🇪🇸 invernadero

🇹🇷 sera

🇰🇷 온실 (onsil)

🇸🇦 بيت زجاجي

🇨🇿 skleník

🇸🇰 skleník

🇨🇳 温室 (wēnshì)

🇸🇮 rastlinjak

🇮🇸 gróðurhús

🇰🇿 жылыжай

🇬🇪 სათბური

🇦🇿 istixana

🇲🇽 invernadero