furnace

FUR'NACE, noun [Latin fornax, furnus, either from burning, or the sense is an arch.] 1. A place where a vehement fire and heat may be made and maintained, for melting ores or metals, etc. A furnace for casting cannon and other large operations is inclosed with walls through which a current of air is blown from a large bellows. In smaller operations a vessel is constructed with a chamber or cavity, with a door and a grate. 2. In scripture, a place of cruel bondage and affliction. Deuteronomy 4:20. 3. Grievous afflictions by which men are tried. Ezekiel 22:18. 4. A place of temporal torment. Daniel 3:6. 5. Hell; the place of endless torment. Matthew 13:42. FUR'NACE, verb transitive To throw out sparks as a furnace