steam heat
Definition
Noun: * A heating system for buildings in which water is boiled to produce steam. This steam then travels through pipes to radiators located in rooms, where it releases its heat before condensing back into water to return to the boiler.
Usage
"Steam heat" refers specifically to the system or method of heating. It is commonly used when discussing building infrastructure, historical architecture, or comparing heating types.
Examples
- The old apartment building still uses steam heat, and the radiators clank loudly in the winter.
- Converting from steam heat to a modern forced-air system can be very expensive.
- One advantage of steam heat is that it does not require a fan or blower to circulate warmth.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe components of the system (e.g., , ).
- It is often contrasted with other systems like "hot water heat" (hydronic systems) or "forced-air heat."
Variants and Related Words
- Steam heating: A synonymous noun phrase.
- Radiator: The room unit that emits heat from the steam or hot water.
- Boiler: The vessel where water is heated to produce steam.
- Hydronic heating: A broader category of heating using hot water, which includes steam heat as one type.
Synonyms
- Steam heating
- Vapor heating (less common)
Notes
- "Steam heat" is a compound noun. The word "steam" modifies "heat" to specify the type. It is treated as a single, unified concept.
- It is not typically used as a verb phrase (e.g., "to steam heat a house" is uncommon; "to heat with steam" is preferred).
Noun
-
a heating system in which steam is generated in boilers and piped to radiators
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ gần giống
Từ chứa "steam heat"
