hearth

n 1: an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a

fire can be built [syn: {fireplace}, {open fireplace}]

2: a part of the fireplace taken as a symbol (synecdoche) for

home; "driven from hearth and home"; "fighting in defense

of their firesides" [syn: {fireside}]

3: an area near a fireplace (usually paved and extending out

into a room) [syn: {fireside}]