geothermal
adjective
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
Jamie Carter, Space.com, 21 July 2025
Then end your day with a stay and soak at the geothermal pools at Solage or Calistoga Motor Lodge in Calistoga.
—Jessie Beck, AFAR Media, 17 July 2025
People bathing in The Blue Lagoon, a geothermal bath resort in Iceland, Reykiavik (Sergi Reboredo / VWPics via AP Images) Sergi Reboredo/AP
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a world-famous geothermal spa located in a lava field near Grindavík, about 45 minutes from Reykjavík.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
The geothermal pools range between 88 degrees to 104 degrees, with a natural mineral makeup that is said to reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance recovery.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for geothermal
Cite this Entry
“Geothermal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/geothermal. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
geothermal
adjective
Share