Definition

Noun: A samovar is a traditional Russian metal urn with a spigot (tap) at its base, used to boil water for making tea. It is a distinctive cultural object, often ornately decorated, and serves as a centerpiece for social gatherings.

Examples

• The family gathered around the steaming samovar for afternoon tea.
• In the museum, we saw an antique brass samovar from the 19th century.
• The water in the samovar is kept hot for hours, ready to brew tea.

Advanced Usage

• Cultural Symbol: A samovar is more than a utilitarian object; it is a powerful symbol of Russian hospitality, home, and tradition.
  • The samovar on the table represented the warmth of the host's welcome.
• Historical Context: Historically, samovars were heated with charcoal or wood, though modern versions often use electricity.
  • The traditional charcoal-fired samovar filled the room with a pleasant warmth.

Variants and Related Words

• Samovar does not have common variants. It is a loanword from Russian (самовар).
• Related Objects: (a pot with a spout, lid, and handle, used for brewing and serving tea, but not for boiling water like a samovar). (a vessel with a spout and handle, used for boiling water, but typically not designed as a permanent, refillable urn for the table).

Synonyms

• Urn (specifically, a ). While an "urn" can be a general term for a large metal container with a tap, "samovar" specifically denotes the traditional Russian style used for tea.
  • The large tea urn at the event functioned like a modern samovar.

Idioms and Phrases

There are no common English idioms or phrasal verbs that use the word samovar, as it is a specific cultural object. Its use is primarily literal.

Noun

1. a metal urn with a spigot at the base; used in Russia to boil water for tea