geothermal

adjective

geo·​ther·​mal ˌjē-ō-ˈthər-məl 

: of, relating to, or utilizing the heat of the earth's interior

also : produced or permeated by such heat

geothermal steam

geothermal regions

geothermally

ˌjē-ō-ˈthər-mə-lē 

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

As the name suggests, Hot Springs is also known for its geothermal waters; visitors can head to either Broadwing Farm or Hot Springs Resort & Spa for a rejuvenating soak during their travels. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2024

Aftershocks are not to be confused with swarms, which are sequences of small earthquakes associated with geothermal activity with no identifiable mainshock. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

geo- + thermal entry 1

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

geothermal

adjective

geo·​ther·​mal ˌjē-ō-ˈthər-məl 

variants also geothermic

-mik

: of, relating to, or using the heat of the earth's interior

also : produced by such heat