(1.) Chald. attun, a large furnace with a wide open mouth, at the top of which materials were cast in (Dan. 3:22, 23; Comp. Jeremiah 29:22). This furnace would be in constant requisition, for the Babylonians disposed of their dead by cremation, as did also the Accadians who invaded Mesopotamia.

(2.) Hebrews kibshan, a smelting furnace (Genesis 19:28), also a lime-kiln (Isaiah 33:12; Amos 2:1).

(3.) Hebrews kur, a refining furnace (Proverbs 17:3; 27:21; Ezek. 22:18).

(4.) Hebrews alil, a crucible; only used in Psalm 12:6.

(5.) Hebrews tannur, oven for baking bread (Genesis 15:17; Isaiah 31:9; Nehemiah 3:11). It was a large pot, narrowing towards the top. When it was heated by a fire made within, the dough was spread over the heated surface, and thus was baked. "A smoking furnace and a burning lamp" (Genesis 15:17), the symbol of the presence of the Almighty, passed between the divided pieces of Abraham's sacrifice in ratification of the covenant God made with him. (see OVEN.)

(6.) Gr. kamnos, a furnace, kiln, or oven (Matthew 13:42, 50; Revelation 1:15; 9:2).

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) An enclosed place in which heat is produced by the combustion of fuel, as for reducing ores or melting metals, for warming a house, for baking pottery, etc.; as, an iron furnace; a hot-air furnace; a glass furnace; a boiler furnace, etc.

2. (n.) A place or time of punishment, affliction, or great trial; severe experience or discipline.

3. (n.) To throw out, or exhale, as from a furnace; also, to put into a furnace.