1. ancient Roman heating systems that circulated hot air through spaces beneath floors and within walls
Usage: historical; archaeology

Examples

• The Roman villa featured elaborate hypocausts to keep the rooms warm during winter.
• Archaeologists discovered well-preserved hypocausts beneath the ancient bathhouse.
• The hypocausts used a furnace to heat air that flowed through channels under the floor.
• Wealthy Romans installed hypocausts in their homes for comfort and luxury.
• The museum display shows how hypocausts worked in Roman buildings.
• Excavations revealed the brick pillars that supported the hypocausts.
• Modern radiant heating systems are based on the same principles as Roman hypocausts.