First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
furnace
noun fur·nace \ˈfər-nəs\
: one for melting metals
: one for heating a building or apartment
Full Definition of FURNACE
: an enclosed structure in which heat is produced (as for heating a house or for reducing ore)
See furnace defined for English-language learners
See furnace defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of FURNACE
Middle English furnas, from Anglo-French forneise, from Latin fornac-, fornax; akin to Latin formus warm — more at therm
FURNACE Defined for Kids
furnace
noun fur·nace \ˈfər-nəs\
Definition of FURNACE for Kids
: an enclosed structure in which heat is produced (as for heating a house or melting metals)
Learn More About FURNACE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: furnace blackPrevious Word in the Dictionary: furnAll Words Near: furnace
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up furnace? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).