Stove Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stove

[stษ™สŠv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in the kitchen

A stove is a device used for cooking food. It usually consists of burners or heating elements on top, an oven for baking, and controls to regulate the heat.

Synonyms

cooker, oven, range.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stove

Refers to an appliance with a flat surface and burners for cooking, often with an oven below. Commonly used in everyday conversation.

  • I need to buy a new stove for my kitchen.
  • Please keep an eye on the soup cooking on the stove.
cooker

Common in British English, this refers to a kitchen appliance for cooking food, similarly to 'stove' in American English. It can include an oven and stovetop.

  • The cooker isn't working, we might need to call a repairman.
  • She put the casserole into the cooker to bake.
range

Refers to a large cooking appliance that combines both stovetop burners and an oven. Often used in more formal or technical contexts.

  • They installed a high-end range in their newly remodeled kitchen.
  • This range has a convection oven and six burners.
oven

Specifically refers to the enclosed compartment that heats and bakes food. Often mentioned in recipes and baking contexts.

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Bake the cake in the oven for 30 minutes.

Examples of usage

  • She cooked dinner on the stove.
  • The kettle whistled on the stove.
Context #2 | Verb

cooking

To stove something means to cook or heat it on a stove.

Synonyms

boil, cook, heat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stove

Use when referring to the appliance where you cook or heat food.

  • I cooked the soup on the stove.
  • Be careful not to touch the stove when it's hot.
cook

Use when preparing food by combining and heating ingredients.

  • I love to cook Italian food.
  • She is cooking dinner right now.
heat

Use when making something warm or hot, but not necessarily cooking.

  • Can you heat the leftovers in the microwave?
  • Heat the milk until it is warm, but not boiling.
boil

Use when referring to heating liquid until it reaches the boiling point.

  • Boil some water for the pasta.
  • The recipe says to boil the potatoes for 15 minutes.

Examples of usage

  • I stoved the soup for dinner.
  • She stoves the vegetables before serving.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Innovations

  • The first known cooking stove was built in 1735 in Germany, designed to be more efficient and safer than open flames.
  • In the 19th century, the introduction of cast iron stoves revolutionized cooking, allowing for better heat retention and control.
  • Electric stoves, developed in the late 1800s, marked a significant shift in the convenience and efficiency of home cooking.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, the stove is considered a central part of the home, often representing warmth and family gatherings.
  • Cooking traditions vary widely across the globe, with some cultures relying heavily on stovetops while others utilize clay stoves or open fires.
  • In some countries, the design of stoves reflects regional culinary practices, with specific features catering to local foods.

Safety and Technology

  • Modern stoves are equipped with numerous safety features, including automatic shut-offs to prevent accidents.
  • Induction stoves, a recent technological advancement, use magnetic fields to generate heat directly in cookware, making them more efficient.
  • Gas stoves remain popular due to their quick temperature adjustments, but they also raise concerns about indoor air quality.

Pop Culture

  • Stoves have often been featured in cooking shows and competitions, showcasing the art and science of cooking on television.
  • Classic movies frequently depict family life around the kitchen stove, symbolizing comfort and togetherness.
  • In literature, stoves are sometimes personified to represent the heart of the home, where families gather and memories are made.

Origin of 'stove'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'stove' comes from the Middle Dutch word 'stoof,' which means a heated room or a place for cooking.
  • The concept dates back to the 13th century when stoves were more about heating rooms than cooking.
  • In Old English, a similar term referred to a heated enclosure, emphasizing the warmth element associated with the word.

The word 'stove' originated from the Old English word 'stofa', meaning a heated room. The modern concept of a stove for cooking evolved in the 18th century with the invention of cast iron stoves. Over time, stoves have become an essential appliance in kitchens around the world.


See also: stovetop.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,364 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.