geothermal
adjective
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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
Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2025
Both entities are likely to invest in several areas of bipartisan interest—such as in enhancements to electric grids, in nuclear and geothermal power, and in critical minerals and battery supply chains.
—Jennifer M. Harris, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
The regional specificity has been a big barrier to geothermal taking off more broadly.
—Umair Irfan, Vox, 21 Apr. 2025
Equally troubling is the state’s decision to power the Hartford Capitol Area System’s new district heating plant with gas instead of geothermal.
—Sharon E. Lewis, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 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 20 May. 2025.
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geothermal
adjective
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