hearth

noun

1. an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built

   noun.artifact

   Examples

   He laid a fire in the hearth and lit it.

   The hearth was black with the charcoal of many fires.

   Synonyms fireplace open fireplace

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. home symbolized as a part of the fireplace

   noun.artifact

   Examples

   Driven from hearth and home.

   Synonyms fireside

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. an area near a fireplace (usually paved and extending out into a room)

   noun.location

   Examples

   They sat on the hearth and warmed themselves before the fire.

   Source: WordNet 3.0

4. The pavement or floor of brick, stone, or metal in a chimney, on which a fire is made; the floor of a fireplace; also, a corresponding part of a stove.

   noun

   Source: webster1913