thermostat

American  

[thur-muh-stat] / ˈθɜr məˌstæt /

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.

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verb (used with object)

thermostatted, thermostated, thermostatting, thermostating

1. to equip or control with a thermostat.

thermostat British  

/ 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

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thermostat Scientific  

/ 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.

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thermostat Cultural  

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

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Other Word Forms

• thermostatic adjective
• thermostatically adverb

Etymology

Origin of thermostat

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

Example Sentences

She also bumped her thermostat up to 75, from 70, and plans to use fans more often as the weather warms.

From The Wall Street Journal

Perhaps you can reach a compromise on the thermostat.

From MarketWatch

I slept peacefully and appreciated the room’s functionality, including a tablet that controlled the lights, thermostat and TV.

From The Wall Street Journal

Though Americans crank up the thermostat every winter, price increases for electricity and gas utility bills were not as sharp at the same point last year.

From MarketWatch

It is often called a silent killer because most heat deaths occur gradually as high temperatures and other environmental factors work together to undermine the body's internal thermostat.

From Barron's

Related Words

• manager