Geyser
WordNet
noun
(1) A spring that discharges hot water and steam
verb
(2) To overflow like a geyser
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From around 1755-1765, from the proper name , which means and is the name of a hot spring in Iceland (Geysir’s English Wikipedia article). The word geysir literally means , derived from the verb , itself from .
Noun
- A boiling natural spring which throws forth at frequent intervals jets of water, mud etc., driven up by the expansive power of steam.
- An instantaneous, and often dangerous, hot water heater using hot steam.
- 1902: William Paton Buchan, Plumbing: A Text-book to the Practice of the Art Or Craft of the Plumber - Where a Geyser or hot-water heater is used it is a good and wise precaution to see that the bath-room, &c., when it is used is well ventilated.
- 1998: Gordon S Riess, Confessions of a Corporate Centurion: Tales of International Adventures - Water was heated either on the gas stove, or on a wall mounted gas-fired "geyser" heater.
- 2002: Alaine Polcz, One woman in the war: Hungary, 1944-1945 - It was here I saw a geyser gas water heater in a bathroom for the first time. (I was afraid of it).