oven

UK: ˈʌv(ə)n | US: ˈʌvən

Definition

  1. n. a chamber or enclosed compartment for heating, baking, or roasting food

Structure
ov <vessel>en <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "oven" traces back to Old English ofen, derived from Proto-Germanic uhnaz (a vessel for baking). Its root ov- relates to the concept of a hollow or enclosed space, while -en is a common noun-forming suffix in Germanic languages. Over time, the term evolved to specifically denote a heated chamber for cooking, reflecting its functional purpose.

Examples

  1. She preheated the oven to 180°C before baking the cake.

  2. The bread was left in the oven for too long and burned.

  3. Modern ovens often come with advanced temperature controls.

  4. They roasted a chicken in the wood-fired oven.

  5. Cleaning the oven is one of my least favorite chores.