Meaning of the word hotbed in English

What does hotbed mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

hotbed

US /ˈhɑːt.bed/
UK /ˈhɒt.bed/

Noun

1.

an environment that encourages the rapid growth or development of something, especially something undesirable

Example:
The city's slums became a hotbed of crime and disease.
The region has long been a hotbed of political unrest.
2.

a bed of soil heated by fermenting manure, used for growing plants out of season

Example:
Gardeners often use a hotbed to start seeds early in the spring.
The plants thrived in the warmth of the hotbed.