Fridge: meaning, definitions and examples
🧊
fridge
[frɪʤ ]
Definition
kitchen appliance
A fridge is a large container that uses electricity to keep food and drinks cold. It typically has shelves, drawers, and compartments for storing different items at various temperatures. Fridges are commonly used in households, restaurants, and grocery stores.
Synonyms
chiller, cooler, refrigerator.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fridge |
Commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to a household appliance that keeps food and drinks cold.
|
| refrigerator |
A more formal term than 'fridge', often used in writing, specifications, and instructions. The word is less common in casual conversation.
|
| cooler |
Usually refers to a portable container for keeping food and drinks cold, often used during outdoor activities like picnics, camping, or sports events.
|
| chiller |
Often used in commercial or industrial settings to describe large cooling systems that are used to keep spaces or products at a low temperature. In everyday language, it can also be used informally to refer to something that chills beverages.
|
Examples of usage
- I need to put the milk in the fridge to keep it fresh.
- She keeps her fruits and vegetables in the fridge to prevent them from spoiling.
- The fridge stopped working, so we had to throw out all the perishable items.
- The fridge is making a strange noise; I think it might need to be repaired.
- I'm going to clean out the fridge to get rid of any expired food.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'fridge' is a shortened form of 'refrigerator', which comes from the Latin word 'frigus' meaning 'cold'.
- Before 'fridge' became popular, people referred to it as 'icebox', which contained ice blocks to keep things cool.
- The first commercial refrigerator was introduced in the 1920s, revolutionizing food storage.
Cultural Impact
- Fridges have influenced cooking trends by allowing for left-over storage, leading to the popularity of meals prepared in advance.
- The modern refrigerator signifies convenience, and its presence is often associated with a busy lifestyle in developed countries.
- In many cultures, the fridge is considered the heart of the kitchen, holding not just food but memories of family meals.
Science
- A fridge works by using a special fluid called refrigerant that absorbs and releases heat, keeping the interior cold.
- The optimal temperature for refrigerator storage is typically between 35°F and 38°F (1.6°C to 3.3°C) to ensure food safety.
- Modern fridges are designed to be energy efficient, using less power than older models, thereby helping reduce energy consumption.
Technology
- Smart fridges, integrated with Wi-Fi, can monitor food expiration dates and send reminders to your phone.
- Some fridges now come with touch screens that can display recipes and help you plan meals based on what you have inside.
- The invention of the compressor revolutionized how refrigerators function, making them quieter and more efficient.
Environmental Impact
- Unmanaged refrigerants can be harmful to the environment; hence the movement towards eco-friendly alternatives.
- Improper disposal of old fridges can release harmful chemicals, leading to pollution, raising awareness about recycling programs.
- Energy-efficient models are designed with materials that minimize carbon footprints, encouraging greener households.
Translations
Translations of the word "fridge" in other languages:
🇵🇹 geladeira
🇮🇳 फ्रिज
🇩🇪 Kühlschrank
🇮🇩 kulkas
🇺🇦 холодильник
🇵🇱 lodówka
🇯🇵 冷蔵庫
🇫🇷 réfrigérateur
🇪🇸 refrigerador
🇹🇷 buzdolabı
🇰🇷 냉장고
🇸🇦 ثلاجة
🇨🇿 lednice
🇸🇰 chladnička
🇨🇳 冰箱
🇸🇮 hladilnik
🇮🇸 ísskápur
🇰🇿 тоңазытқыш
🇬🇪 მაცივარი
🇦🇿 soyuducu
🇲🇽 refrigerador