Definition of HOTBED

hotbed

Meanings

Plural: hotbeds

Noun

  • a situation that is ideal for rapid development (especially of something bad)
    • "it was a hotbed of vice"
  • a bed of earth covered with glass and heated by rotting manure to promote the growth of plants
  • 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, like a miniature hothouse.
  • 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.

Origin / Etymology

From hot + bed.

Synonyms

seedbed

Scrabble Score: 12

hotbed is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
hotbed is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
hotbed is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 12

hotbed is a valid Words With Friends word