Hearth | Definition of hearth by Merriam-Webster

Full Definition of HEARTH

1

a : a brick, stone, or concrete area in front of a fireplace

b : the floor of a fireplace; also : fireplace

c : the lowest section of a furnace; especially : the section of a furnace on which the ore or metal is exposed to the flame or heat

2

: home

3

: a vital or creative center <the central hearth of occidental civilization — A. L. Kroeber>

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Middle English herth, from Old English heorth; akin to Old High German herd hearth, and probably to Sanskrit kūḍayāti he scorches

First Known Use: before 12th century

Synonyms: abode, diggings, domicile, dwelling, fireside, habitation, home, hearthstone, house, lodging, pad, place, quarters, residence, roof

1

: an area (as of brick) in front of a fireplace

2

: the floor of a fireplace

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