Definition

Noun: A hurricane lamp is a type of oil-burning lamp designed for outdoor or drafty indoor use. Its key feature is a tall glass chimney (tube) that surrounds the flame, combined with a perforated metal lid or cap. This design protects the flame from being blown out by strong winds or gusts.

Usage

The term is used to describe the specific physical object, the lamp itself. It is often associated with historical settings, camping, patios, or emergency preparedness.

Examples: * During the power outage, they lit a hurricane lamp to see in the living room. * The old hurricane lamp on the porch cast a warm, flickering light. * For the historical reenactment, they used authentic hurricane lamps instead of modern lanterns.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metaphorically to describe something that provides stability or light in a tumultuous situation, though this is a less common literary usage.
  • Example: Her calm advice was a hurricane lamp in the storm of the crisis.

Variants and Related Words

• Hurricane lantern: A direct synonym; the terms are often used interchangeably.
• Storm lantern: Another common synonym emphasizing its use in stormy weather.
• Oil lamp: A broader category that includes hurricane lamps.
• Glass chimney: Refers to the essential cylindrical glass part of the lamp.
• Kerosene lamp: Specifies the type of fuel (kerosene/paraffin) often used in such lamps.

Synonyms

• Storm lantern
• Hurricane lantern
• Draft lantern

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning is always tied to the object's functional design (protected flame) rather than just its fuel source. While many use kerosene, some modern versions may use other oils or even candles.
• It is distinct from a simple candlestick, as it always implies a protective chimney. The reference to "candlestick" in some definitions is historical, referring to its shape and function rather than its fuel.

Noun

1. an oil lamp with a glass chimney and perforated metal lid to protect the flame from high winds; candlestick with a glass chimney