thermostat

[ thur-muh-stat ]

noun

1. a device, including a relay actuated by thermal conduction or convection, that functions to establish and maintain a desired temperature automatically or signals a change in temperature for manual adjustment.

verb (used with object)

, ther·mo·stat·ted or ther·mo·stat·ed; ther·mo·stat·ting or ther·mo·stat·ing.

1. to equip or control with a thermostat.

thermostat

/ ˈθɜːməˌstæt /

noun

1. a device that maintains a system at a constant temperature. It often consists of a bimetallic strip that bends as it expands and contracts with temperature, thus breaking and making contact with an electrical power supply
2. a similar device that actuates equipment, such as a sprinkler, when a certain temperature is reached

thermostat

/ thûr′mə-stăt′ /

1. A device that automatically controls heating or cooling equipment in such a way as to maintain a temperature at a constant level or within a specified range, generally using a thermometer capable of triggering electrical switches that activate or deactivate the equipment.

thermostat

1. A device that monitors and automatically responds to changes in temperature and activates switches controlling devices such as furnaces or air conditioners.

Derived Forms

• ˌthermoˈstatically, adverb
• ˌthermoˈstatic, adjective

Other Words From

• thermo·static adjective
• thermo·stati·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of thermostat¹

First recorded in 1825–35; thermo- + -stat

Example Sentences

For decades, environmental advocates have called on people to make sacrifices for the greater good — to bike instead of drive, eat more vegetables instead of meat, and turn down the thermostat in the winter.

From Salon

In San Diego, a high-density urban development known as Civita is outfitting every housing unit with a water meter panel, like a thermostat, to keep residents informed of their water consumption and help them catch leaks.

From Los Angeles Times

The question is, when the temperature drops in winter, will pensioners who lose out look at the thermostat and think, those blasted Tories?

From BBC

They also wear more clothes so that they can keep the thermostat low and stay warm in winter.

From BBC

For their study, U-M researchers analyzed utility bills, thermostat settings and energy burdens -- the proportion of income that households spend on electricity and gas costs -- for 51 homes in Wayne and Washtenaw counties, half of them below median income levels.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• instrument