Meaning of the word furnace in English

What does furnace mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

furnace

US /ˈfɝː.nɪs/
UK /ˈfɜː.nɪs/

Noun

1.

an enclosed structure in which material can be heated to very high temperatures, e.g., for smelting metal or baking pottery

Example:
The blacksmith used a powerful furnace to heat the iron.
The pottery was fired in a large ceramic furnace.
2.

an appliance for heating a building, typically fueled by gas or electricity and circulating warm air

Example:
The old furnace in the basement needs to be replaced.
We turned on the furnace as soon as it got cold.