hot bed

plural hot beds · alternative hotbed

1. biologyA mass of organic matter decomposing and giving off heat from microbial metabolic action.
2. agricultureA garden bed using such a heat-generating mass; a hotbox.
3. broadlyfigurativelyA central point of activity, relating to a specific task.
4. A bed shared by workers, sailors, or soldiers operating in shifts or watches (named for the idea that it is still warm when the next occupant gets into it).
5. 3D printingA heated print bed, so as to help the lower levels of extruded filament stick together.

present singular third person hot beds · participle present hot bedding · participle past hot bedded · past hot bedded · alternative hotbed

1. transitiveTo share sleeping accommodations with one or two others serially (in shifts), as on a ship or a submarine or other operation with round-the-clock staffing.

   The crew of the submarine quickly got used to hot bedding.

   Synonyms: hot bunk, hot rack

2. transitiveagricultureTo farm using hotbeds for season extension.