Glasshouse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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glasshouse
[ˈɡlɑːshaʊs ]
Definitions
in agriculture
A glasshouse is a building with glass walls and a glass roof, especially one in which plants are grown that need protection from cold weather.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| glasshouse |
Also can refer to a prison or a place of confinement, which is a less common and more negative usage.
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| greenhouse |
Commonly used in both American and British English, it refers to a structure with walls and roof made chiefly of transparent material, like glass, used for growing plants.
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| hothouse |
Often refers to a greenhouse that is intentionally kept at high temperatures to cultivate tropical plants. This word can also have a metaphorical use, referring to environments encouraging rapid growth or intense activity.
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Examples of usage
- The tomatoes are grown in a glasshouse.
- She works in a large glasshouse in the countryside.
figurative
A situation or place that is very protected from the outside world and where people have little contact with other people.
Synonyms
bubble, ivory tower.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| glasshouse |
Use when talking about a building made entirely or mostly of glass, usually for growing plants that need controlled conditions.
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| bubble |
Utilize this for describing a small pocket of air or gas in a liquid or for figurative speech about being isolated from real-world problems.
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| ivory tower |
Select this in a figurative sense to describe a situation where someone is out of touch with everyday problems, usually because they are isolated by their social or economic status. It often carries a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- Living in a glasshouse, she had little idea of real life.
- He grew up in a glasshouse, shielded from the harsh realities of the world.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Architecture
- Famous glasshouses include the Crystal Palace, built for the 1851 Great Exhibition in London, showcasing the potential of glass in architecture.
- Modern glasshouses often feature sustainable design, using glass to enhance natural light while promoting energy efficiency.
- Glass architecture has become a symbol of modernism, bridging indoor and outdoor spaces effectively.
Botany
- Glasshouses create optimal growing conditions, controlling temperature and humidity for various plants, especially tropical species.
- They are essential for scientific research in horticulture, providing controlled environments to study plant growth.
- Some glasshouses are designed specifically for endangered plant species conservation efforts.
Cultural References
- Glasshouses often symbolize transparency and openness in literature and films, reflecting characters' inner thoughts and feelings.
- In the world of music, the song 'Glasshouse' by popular artists conveys themes of vulnerability and fragility in relationships.
- Glasshouses frequently appear in visual art, representing clarity and beauty contrasted with the fragility of life.
Environmental Impact
- Glasshouses can contribute to food sustainability by allowing year-round cultivation of crops, reducing reliance on transported produce.
- However, they require significant energy for heating, leading to ongoing discussions about their environmental footprint.
- Innovative designs are focusing on using solar power and rainwater collection in glasshouses to minimize their ecological impact.
Origin of 'glasshouse'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'glasshouse' emerged in the 17th century as a literal description of houses or structures made primarily from glass.
- In the 19th century, 'glasshouse' was also used to refer to structures called greenhouses specifically for plant cultivation.
- The word reflects the combination of 'glass', derived from Old English, meaning a transparent substance, and 'house', denoting a shelter or place.
The term 'glasshouse' originates from the mid-17th century, initially used to describe a building or structure made primarily of glass. The concept of using glass for protection and cultivation of plants dates back to Roman times, but the modern glasshouse as we know it today became popular during the Victorian era with the advancement of glass manufacturing techniques. Over time, the term 'glasshouse' has also been used figuratively to describe isolated or sheltered environments.
See also: eyeglasses, glass, glasses, glasspaper, glassware, glassy.