forehearth

noun

1

: the forward extension of the hearth of a blast furnace under the tymp

also : a similar extension of any smelting hearth

2

: a steel furnace having an attachment in the front so as to dispense with the casting ladle

3

: a separate receptacle taking the place of a hearth in front of a furnace for receiving molten material flowing out especially to permit settling

also : a chamber at the end of a tank furnace from which glass is withdrawn for working

Word History

Etymology

fore- + hearth

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