Hypocaust

[haipәkɒ:st]

Definition

(n.) 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.

Editor: Meredith

Definition

n. among the ancients a vaulted chamber from which the heat of stoves was distributed to baths or rooms above: now applied to the fireplace of a stove or hothouse.

Editor: Winthrop