Is geothermal used in everyday English?

Yes, but it is more common in science, energy, and geography.

What is the difference between geothermal and thermal?

Geothermal means heat from inside the Earth. Thermal is a broader word for heat.

Is geothermal energy renewable?

Yes. It comes from heat inside the Earth and can be used again and again.

← Dictionary

geothermal

/ˌdʒiː.əʊˈθɜː.məl/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Connected with the heat inside the Earth. It often describes energy, water, or power made using this heat.

Iceland uses geothermal energy for heating.
The town has geothermal springs.
Geothermal power can reduce fuel use.

Adinary Nuance

Geothermal is more specific than thermal, which can mean anything related to heat. It is also different from solar, wind, or hydro, because geothermal uses heat from inside the Earth. Writers choose geothermal when the heat source matters.

In other languages

Vietnamese: địa nhiệt
Spanish: geotérmico
Chinese: 地热的
Japanese: 地熱の
Korean: 지열의

Etymology

Geothermal comes from Greek geo-, meaning 'earth', and therme, meaning 'heat'. It entered English in the 19th century, mainly in science and energy writing.

Common phrases

geothermal energygeothermal powergeothermal springgeothermal heat

Synonyms

earth-heat subterranean heat

Frequently asked questions

Is geothermal used in everyday English?: Yes, but it is more common in science, energy, and geography.
What is the difference between geothermal and thermal?: Geothermal means heat from inside the Earth. Thermal is a broader word for heat.
Is geothermal energy renewable?: Yes. It comes from heat inside the Earth and can be used again and again.