n.[C]

1. （培育植物的）温床
2. （孳生疾病和犯罪等的）温床
   Slums are hotbeds of crime and disease.

   贫民窟是滋生犯罪和疾病的温床。

n.

1. an environment promoting the growth of something, especially something unwelcome:
   the country was a hotbed of revolt.
2. a bed of earth heated by fermenting manure, for raising plants.