Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Hotbed
Hot′bedˊ
,Noun.
1.
(Gardening)
A bed of earth heated by fermenting manure or other substances, and covered with glass, intended for raising early plants, or for nourishing exotics.
2.
A place which favors rapid growth or development;
as, a
. hotbed
of seditionWebster 1828 Edition
Hotbed
HOT'BED
,Noun.
Definition 2024
hotbed
hotbed
See also: hot bed
English
Noun
hotbed (plural hotbeds)
- 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. A hotbed works as a miniature hothouse, i.e. greenhouse.
- (by extension) an environment that is ideal for the growth or development of something, especially of something undesirable
- An iron platform in a rolling mill, on which hot bars, rails, etc., are laid to cool.
Translations
low bed of earth covered with glass
place ideal for the growth of something undesirable
platform in rolling mill