FUR'NACE, n. L. 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, &c. 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 .
3. Grievous afflictions by which men are tried. Ezekiel 22 .
4. A place of temporal torment. Daniel 3 .
5. Hell the place of endless torment. Matthew 13 .
FUR'NACE, To throw out sparks as a furnace.