What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
calefaction
Example
The calefaction of the water in the kettle took a few minutes. [calefaction: noun]
Example
She used a hairdryer for quick calefaction of her wet hair. [calefaction: gerund or present participle]
furnace
Example
The furnace in our house keeps us warm during the winter. [furnace: noun]
Example
The steel mill uses a large furnace to melt and shape metal. [furnace: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Furnace is more commonly used than calefaction in everyday language. Furnace is a specific term that is widely recognized and used in the context of heating systems, while calefaction is less common and may be used in more technical or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between calefaction and furnace?
While calefaction is a more formal term that is often used in scientific or technical contexts, furnace is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal situations. It is commonly used in everyday language to refer to heating systems in homes or buildings.