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thermostat

THUR-muh-stat /ˈθɜːrməstæt/

nounA2

everydaytechnical

A device that automatically regulates temperature, or that activates a device when the temperature reaches a certain point.

While a thermometer simply measures temperature, a thermostat actively controls heating or cooling systems to maintain a set temperature.

The story behind the word. The word 'thermostat' was coined in the 19th century by combining two Greek words: 'therme', meaning 'heat' (which also gives us 'thermal' and 'thermometer'), and 'statos', meaning 'standing' or 'stationary' (from 'histanai', to cause to stand). Literally, a thermostat is a device that makes heat 'stand still' at a desired level.

Word relationships

temperature controller: Temperature controller is a broader, more industrial term, whereas thermostat is the standard term for residential and automotive climate control devices.

Commonly confused with

thermometer: A thermometer only measures and displays the temperature, while a thermostat actively regulates it by turning heating or cooling systems on and off.

Word family

thermostatic (adjective): Relating to or controlled by a thermostat.
thermostatically (adverb): By means of a thermostat.

Collocations

smart thermostat
programmable thermostat
adjust the thermostat
thermostat setting

Example sentences

"She adjusted the smart thermostat from her phone so the house would be warm and cozy by the time she arrived home." Adjusting home temperature
"If your car's engine is overheating, it might be due to a faulty thermostat that is stuck in the closed position." Automotive cooling systems

Memory hook

Think of 'thermo' (heat) and 'static' (staying the same). A thermostat keeps the heat static. Thermostat keeps the thermal static.

When not to use

Do not use 'thermostat' when you are referring to a device that only measures temperature without controlling a heating or cooling element.

Fun facts

The first modern electric thermostat was invented in 1883 by Warren S. Johnson, a schoolteacher who was tired of having to constantly adjust classroom furnaces manually.