geothermal
adjective
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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
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2026
Truth or Consequences Soak in geothermal hot springs baths in Truth or Consequences, at hotels such as the Sierra Grande, Hoosier Hot Springs & Inn, or Mothership Yoga Lounge & Hot Springs.
—Sharael Kolberg, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2025
Iceland’s geothermal hot springs and Finland’s sweat bathing culture hint at ancestral warmth, but there’s no hard evidence that Vikings intentionally alternated hot and cold exposure for recovery.
—Marisa McMillan, Outside, 29 Dec. 2025
The center also uses a geothermal heating and cooling system and a large solar array, which help regulate the building’s temperature and provide renewable power for computer systems, communication systems and lighting.
—Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 27 Dec. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Geothermal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/geothermal. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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geothermal
adjective
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