thermostat

[ thur-muh-stat ]
/ ˈθɜr məˌstæt /

noun

a device, including a relay actuated by thermal conduction or convection, that functions to establish and maintain a desired temperature automatically or signals a change in temperature for manual adjustment.

verb (used with object), ther·mo·stat·ted or ther·mo·stat·ed; ther·mo·stat·ting or ther·mo·stat·ing.

to equip or control with a thermostat.

Origin of thermostat

First recorded in 1825–35; thermo- + -stat

OTHER WORDS FROM thermostat

ther·mo·stat·ic, adjective ther·mo·stat·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby thermostat

thermosensitive, thermosetting, thermosiphon, thermosphere, thermostable, thermostat, thermostatics, thermosteresis, thermosystaltic, thermotaxis, thermotensile

Example sentences from the Web for thermostatic

  • This is accomplished by means of a thermostatic bar made of plates of brass and vulcanite fastened together.

    Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 3 |Various

  • Fig. 69 shows a thermostatic control valve attached to the bottom of a heater coil, and at the side of storage tank.

    Elements of Plumbing |Samuel Dibble

  • The automatic iron has what is called a thermostatic control which holds the temperature of the iron at the heat you want.

    Electricity for the 4-H Scientist |Eric B. Wilson

  • It probably wouldn't be noticed that the torn and blood-spattered clothes on the corpse were not thermostatic.

    The Standardized Man |Stephen Bartholomew

British Dictionary definitions for thermostatic

thermostat
/ (ˈθɜːməˌstæt) /

noun

a device that maintains a system at a constant temperature. It often consists of a bimetallic strip that bends as it expands and contracts with temperature, thus breaking and making contact with an electrical power supply
a similar device that actuates equipment, such as a sprinkler, when a certain temperature is reached

Derived forms of thermostat

thermostatic, adjective thermostatically, adverb

Scientific definitions for thermostatic

thermostat
[ thûr′mə-stăt′ ]

A device that automatically controls heating or cooling equipment in such a way as to maintain a temperature at a constant level or within a specified range, generally using a thermometer capable of triggering electrical switches that activate or deactivate the equipment.

Cultural definitions for thermostatic

thermostat

A device that monitors and automatically responds to changes in temperature and activates switches controlling devices such as furnaces or air conditioners.