Word Study
thermostat
CIDE DICTIONARY
thermostat, n. [Thermo- + Gr. to make to stand.].
A device which automatically regulates temperature, or provides a signal used by another device to regulate temperature. The temperature-sensitive signal may be electronic, as that produced by a thermocouple. The signal may also be caused mechanically, as by the unequal expansion of different metals, liquids, or gases by heat, which can then cause the opening or closing of the damper of a stove, or the like, as the heat becomes greater or less than is desired. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
thermostat, n. a device that automatically regulates temperature, or that activates a device when the temperature reaches a certain point.
Derivative
thermostatic adj. thermostatically adv.
Etymology
THERMO- + Gk statos standing
ROGET THESAURUS
thermostat
Thermometer
N thermometer, thermometrograph, mercury thermometer, alcohol thermometer, clinical thermometer, dry-bulb thermometer, wet-bulb thermometer, Anschutz thermometer, gas thermometer, telethermometer, color-changing temperature indicator, thermopile, thermoscope, pyrometer, calorimeter, bomb calorimeter, thermistor, thermocouple, thermostat, thermoregulator, (3) Taste.For further exploring for "thermostat" in Webster Dictionary Online