# geothermal

/ˌdʒioʊˈθɝməɫ/ (US) · /dʒˌiːəʊθˈɜːməl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/geothermal
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

relating to the heat that comes from inside the earth. You usually hear this word when people talk about clean energy or hot springs.

For teachers: relating to or produced by the internal heat of the earth. Often describes energy sources or geological features like geysers and hot springs.

## Examples

- The city uses geothermal energy to heat homes.
- Iceland produces a significant portion of its electricity by tapping into geothermal reservoirs deep underground.
- Engineers are exploring enhanced geothermal systems that could potentially harness heat from dry rock layers, significantly expanding the geographic availability of this renewable resource.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun like 'energy', 'power', or 'heating'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.