Definition of the word glasshouse

The word "glasshouse" originated during the 17th century in England, where it was originally called a "hothouse." These structures were used to grow exotic plants and fruits that couldn't withstand the cold English climate. The earliest version of a glasshouse was constructed in 1601, made of wood and covered with mossy thatch. However, in 1610, the Duke of Sully in France, constructed a greenhouse made of glass, which was a significant innovation. In 1620, the first glass houses appeared in England, and glasshouses became increasingly popular with aristocrats as they became a symbol of wealth and status. The glass used in these structures was initially imported from Venice, which was expensive, leading to them being named "Venetian window" houses. Gradually, the glass industry developed in England, allowing for the production of cheaper glass. This democratization of the material meant that by the late 17th century, middle-class people could also afford to build glasshouses in their estates. By the 18th century, the word "glasshouse" became commonly used to refer to these structures, as glass became a cheaper and more widely available material. Today, glasshouses are used in a variety of settings, from commercial greenhouses to private gardens, and continue to be an iconic structure synonymous with horticulture and modernity.