Furnace

Pronunciation

• GenAm IPA: /ˈfɝnɪs/
• RP IPA: /ˈfɜːnɪs/

Origin

From Old French fornais (French fournaise), from Latin fornax.

Full definition of furnace

Noun

1. A device for heating.
2. A device that heats materials being processed in a factory.
3. A device that provides heat for a building.
4. Any area that is excessively hot.
5. (figurative) A place or time of punishment, affiction, or great trial; severe experience or discipline.
• circa 1530 William Tyndale, Tyndale Bible, :For the Lorde toke you and broughte you out of the yernen fornace of Egipte, to be vnto him a people of enheritaunce, as it is come to passe this daye.

Verb

1. To heat in a furnace