hypocaust
noun
hy·po·caust
ˈhī-pə-ˌkȯst 
: an ancient Roman central heating system with underground furnace and tile flues to distribute the heat
Examples of hypocaust in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The hypocaust, an ancient system of central heating that circulated hot air beneath the floors of the house, signals a level of luxury atypical for rural estates in Roman Gaul.
—
Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 June 2025
The bathhouse is preserved in parts to a height of around 6.5 feet and contains a heated room known as a hypocaust.
—Anna Walas, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 July 2023
One of the first systems of central heating – called a hypocaust – is known from the Temple at Ephesus, constructed around 350 B.C. Historians credit Sergius Orata for improving the Greek’s early tech.
—Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 13 Sep. 2022
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 June 2025
The bathhouse is preserved in parts to a height of around 6.5 feet and contains a heated room known as a hypocaust.
—Anna Walas, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 July 2023
One of the first systems of central heating – called a hypocaust – is known from the Temple at Ephesus, constructed around 350 B.C. Historians credit Sergius Orata for improving the Greek’s early tech.
—Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 13 Sep. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Hypocaust.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypocaust. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share