Meaning

A low bed of earth covered with glass, and heated with rotting manure, used for the germination of seeds and the growth of tender plants, like a miniature hothouse..

Definitions by Sense

1. A low bed of earth covered with glass, and heated with rotting manure, used for the germination of seeds and the growth of tender plants, like a miniature hothouse.
2. (by extension) An environment that is ideal for the growth or development of something, especially of something undesirable.
3. An iron platform in a rolling mill, on which hot bars, rails, etc., are laid to cool.

Example Sentences

Near-synonym: hotbox

Tomato seedlings will be ready to transplant from the hotbed to the coldframe in 12 to 18 days after sowing the seed, depending upon the amount of sunshine and the care given the bed.

The problem faced by Government and railway alike is the dreadful legacy of the 'stay home' policy which has left millions of people fearing that trains are a hotbed of infection to be avoided like the... well, do I have to say it?!

In particular, Kumamoto prefecture in southwestern Japan is quickly becoming a hotbed for tech investment from companies including TSMC and Fujifilm Holdings Corp (FUJIF).

Word Forms

• hotbeds

Synonyms for hotbed

Related Words

When Should You Use Hotbed?

Use hotbed when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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