hypocaust

1 definition found

hypocaust - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Hypocaust \Hyp"o*caust\, n. [L. hypocaustum, Gr. ?; ? under + ?
     to burn: cf. F. hypocauste.] (Anc. Arch.)
     A furnace, esp. one connected with a series of small chambers
     and flues of tiles or other masonry through which the heat of
     a fire was distributed to rooms above. This contrivance,
     first used in bath, was afterwards adopted in private houses.
     [1913 Webster]