2

I have read the following paragraph from Diary of a Wimpy Kid 3:

Ever since Mom assigned the dishes to me and Rodrick, Dad's been going down to the furnace room after dinner to work on this miniature Civil War battlefield of his.

I am confused about the meaning of "furnace room". I have looked it up in the dictionary.In the dictionary, it means:"a large container for a very hot fire, used to produce power, heat, or liquid metal."

How can he build a furnace room at home. I think it means "basement",but I can't find this meaning in the dictionary.

|improve this question|||||
  • Where I grew up, we had a utility room on the first floor with various things including the furnace. We didn't call it a basement because it wasn't below ground level. – snailcar♦ Oct 15 '13 at 6:26
7

Your definition defines furnace. A furnace room is simply the room where the furnace sits.

In many homes, the furnace is in the basement. In homes with unfinished basements, there is a lot of extra space for storage, or for hobbies such as model trains.

furnace room

Can't you see Dad setting up his model train set in a room like this one?

|improve this answer|||||
  • 2
    The large box structure with the pipe leading up to the wall is the furnace. In this picture it would be a gas-burning furnace, as opposed to a wood-fire type furnace. Usually home furnaces provide central heating and hot water for the home. – GreaseMonkey Oct 12 '13 at 13:16
  • 2
    In British English, that would be called a boiler (if it burns natural gas, or oil). – Steve Melnikoff Oct 13 '13 at 15:16
  • @J.R. what is this furnace for in American Family? – user48070 Oct 15 '13 at 3:24
  • @user48070 - It would be primarily used to heat the home. – J.R.♦ Oct 15 '13 at 12:21

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for?Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.