noun
- a device, including a relay actuated by thermal conduction or convection, that functions to establish and maintain a desired temperature automatically or signals a change in temperature for manual adjustment.
verb (used with object), ther·mo·stat·ted or ther·mo·stat·ed; ther·mo·stat·ting or ther·mo·stat·ing.
- to equip or control with a thermostat.
noun
- a device that maintains a system at a constant temperature. It often consists of a bimetallic strip that bends as it expands and contracts with temperature, thus breaking and making contact with an electrical power supply
- a similar device that actuates equipment, such as a sprinkler, when a certain temperature is reached
n.1831, from thermo- + -stat.
- A device that automatically controls heating or cooling equipment in such a way as to maintain a temperature at a constant level or within a specified range, generally using a thermometer capable of triggering electrical switches that activate or deactivate the equipment.
A device that monitors and automatically responds to changes in temperature and activates switches controlling devices such as furnaces or air conditioners.