hot plate
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A hot plate is a portable electric appliance with a flat, heated surface. It is used for heating, cooking, or keeping food warm, typically in places where a full stove is not available or convenient.
Usage
A hot plate is a standalone heating device. It is commonly used in small kitchens, dorm rooms, offices, laboratories, or for buffet service to keep dishes warm. It functions as a simple, compact alternative to a stovetop burner.
Examples
- "She boiled water for tea on the hot plate in her dorm room."
- "The caterers used several hot plates to keep the appetizers warm during the event."
- "For the science experiment, the solution was heated gently on a laboratory hot plate."
Advanced Usage
- Laboratory Use: In scientific contexts, a hot plate often refers to a specialized, precise heating device used in labs for heating glassware or its contents. It may include a magnetic stirrer.
- Example: "The chemist placed the beaker on the hot plate to dissolve the compound."
Variants and Related Words
- Burner (noun): While similar, a "burner" typically refers to one heating element on a full stove or cooktop, not a portable, standalone appliance.
- Electric stove (noun): A larger appliance containing multiple built-in heating elements or hot plates.
- Warmer (noun): A more general term for a device used to keep food warm, which could include a hot plate but also other types like chafing dishes.
Synonyms
- Heating plate
- Portable stove
- Electric hob (primarily British English)
Antonyms
- There is no direct antonym, but appliances with a cooling function are conceptually opposite (e.g., cooling plate, refrigerator).
Related Phrases
- Hot plate special: A term sometimes used in diners or casual restaurants to refer to a cooked meal that is kept warm and ready to serve.
- Example: "The diner's hot plate special today is meatloaf and mashed potatoes."
Noun
- a portable electric appliance for heating or cooking or keeping food warm