geothermal

adjective

geo·ther·mal ˌjē-ō-ˈthər-məl

: of, relating to, or utilizing the heat of the earth's interior

also : produced or permeated by such heat

geothermal steam

geothermal regions

geothermally

ˌjē-ō-ˈthər-mə-lē

adverb

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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

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Recent projects have included features such as rammed earth walls, geothermal heat pumps, green roofs, and photovoltaic power, and the firm's work has received multiple awards from the AIA Committee on the Environment. —

Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 13 Dec. 2024 Lee cosponsored Heinrich's Geothermal Energy Optimization Act, which would speed up permitting and require more frequent leasing for geothermal projects on public lands. —

Daniel Moore, Axios, 4 Dec. 2024 The organization maps geothermal resources and identifies geothermal projects in need of further funding. —

Sigal Samuel, Vox, 3 Dec. 2024 But geothermal proponents argue there are also risks in the direction of slow-rolling its buildout, or excluding fossil fuels — and that geothermal energy will get overly identified with either party. —

Saul Elbein, The Hill, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for geothermal