geothermal

adjective

geo·​ther·​mal ˌjē-ō-ˈthər-məl How to pronounce geothermal (audio)
: of, relating to, or utilizing the heat of the earth's interior
also : produced or permeated by such heat
geothermal steam
geothermal regions
geothermally adverb

Did you know?

Geothermal comes partly from the Greek thermos, "hot". Most geothermal electricity is provided by power plants situated in areas where there is significant activity of the Earth's great tectonic plates—often the same areas where volcanoes are found. But hot water from deep underground may be used by cities far from volcanoes to heat buildings or sidewalks. And a newer source of geothermal energy relies on a less dramatic kind of heat: Individual homeowners can now install heat pumps that take advantage of the 50°-60° temperature of the soil near the surface to provide heating in cold weather (and air-conditioning in the warm months). These very small-scale geothermal systems may eventually supply more useful energy than the large power plants.

Examples of geothermal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web From its breathtaking landscapes and cascading waterfalls to its unique geothermal phenomena and dancing northern lights, Iceland's natural wonders are largely accessible for free. David Nikel, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Even so, some lava did flow west toward a power plant and the Blue Lagoon, a famous geothermal spa. Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2024 Journey to the Center of the Earth To unlock the terawatt potential of geothermal energy, MIT startup Quaise Energy is testing a deep-drilling rig in 2024 that will use high-power millimeter waves to melt a column of rock down as far as 10 to 20 kilometers. IEEE Spectrum, 1 Jan. 2024 The structure will use geothermal heating and cooling, passive ventilation and will rely on windows and skylights during the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024 For over a decade, universities like CUE have partnered with local industries to understand ways to apply renewable energy, solar, wind, and geothermal, in everyday business operations. Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2024 The home has been updated with such technological innovations a customizable, whole-home audio and lighting system, a water treatment system, a security system and an array of specialized heating methods: geothermal, ductless, electric and liquid propane. Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2024 Science Rolling in money and talent, San Diego State University is emerging as a major player in science Aug. 27, 2023 The university has also been looking to collaborate with geothermal companies on research aimed at making such mining faster and more efficient. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Feb. 2024 Other infrastructure in the area include the power plant owned by HS Orka hf and a number of businesses centered around geothermal heat and power. TIME, 8 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'geothermal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

geo- + thermal entry 1

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of geothermal was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near geothermal

Cite this Entry

“Geothermal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/geothermal. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

geothermal

adjective
geo·​ther·​mal ˌjē-ō-ˈthər-məl How to pronounce geothermal (audio)
variants also geothermic
-mik
: of, relating to, or using the heat of the earth's interior
also : produced by such heat
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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