Definition

Noun: A small lamp designed to burn a volatile liquid fuel, such as denatured alcohol or methylated spirits, typically used for heating or providing a small, clean flame in laboratories or for domestic purposes like warming food.

Usage

A "spirit lamp" is a portable heating device. It consists of a reservoir for the fuel, a wick, and a cap to extinguish the flame. It is commonly used where a safe, odorless, and smokeless flame is needed. - The chemist used a spirit lamp to gently heat the solution in the beaker. - For the fondue, they placed the pot over a spirit lamp to keep the cheese melted.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Technical Context: In the 19th and early 20th centuries, spirit lamps were essential equipment in scientific laboratories and for tasks like soldering before the widespread use of electricity.
• Specialized Use: Some types are used in jewelry making or for sterilizing needles.

Variants and Related Words

• Alcohol burner: A very similar device, often used interchangeably with "spirit lamp," though sometimes an alcohol burner has a specific design for laboratory use.
• Sterno stove/can: A portable cooking fuel in a can, which is a related concept but not the same as a wick-based lamp.

Synonyms

• Alcohol lamp
• Denatured alcohol lamp

Related Phrases/Idioms

There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs directly incorporating the term "spirit lamp."

Noun

1. a lamp that burns a volatile liquid fuel such as alcohol