HYPOCAUST

Etymology

Noun

hypocaust (plural hypocausts)

An underfloor space or flue through which heat from a furnace passes to heat the floor of a room or a bath.

An underfloor heating system, even without such an underfloor space or flue, as adapted for modern housing.

Synonyms

• (underfloor flue): hippocaust

• (heating system): floor heating, underfloor heating

Source: Wiktionary


Hyp"o*caust, n. Etym: [L. hypocaustum, Gr. hypocauste.] (Anc. Arch.)

Definition: A furnace, esp. one connected with a series of small chambers and flues of tiles or other masonry through which the heat of a fire was distributed to rooms above. This contrivance, first used in bath, was afterwards adopted in private houses.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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