Icebox Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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icebox
[ˈaɪsˌbɒks ]
Definitions
kitchen appliance
A box or compartment in which food is kept frozen by means of a refrigerating system.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She stored the ice cream in the icebox to keep it frozen.
- The icebox in the kitchen is filled with frozen vegetables and meats.
dated term for refrigerator
An insulated container filled with ice, used for keeping food and drink cool.
Synonyms
cooler, ice chest.
Examples of usage
- Back in the day, people used iceboxes to store perishable items.
- The ice delivery man would bring a block of ice for the icebox every week.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- Before electricity, iceboxes were made of wood and used real ice to keep things cold.
- Early iceboxes were often delivered with large blocks of ice and popular in homes from the late 19th century.
- The word 'icebox' became common when these appliances started to replace traditional icehouses in homes.
Science
- An icebox relies on insulation to keep the cold air in and prevent warm air from getting in.
- The efficiency of an icebox relies on how well it minimizes air exchange with the outside environment.
- Maintaining a lower temperature inside an icebox reduces microorganism growth, helping food stay fresh longer.
Cultural Reference
- In popular culture, iceboxes are sometimes referenced in classic films and TV shows as a nostalgic element of old kitchens.
- Iceboxes were often featured in 1950s advertisements promoting convenience and modern living before refrigerators became widely used.
- The term 'icebox' can evoke memories of simpler times, making it a popular motif in poetry and stories about family life.
Technology
- Iceboxes paved the way for the development of the modern refrigerator, which uses a compression cycle rather than ice.
- Today, portable iceboxes can be found in various settings, from camping trips to beach outings, keeping drinks cool without electricity.
- With advances in insulation technology, modern iceboxes can keep items cold for much longer durations compared to older models.
Psychology
- The concept of an icebox is associated with the idea of preserving freshness and memories over time.
- For some individuals, the presence of an icebox can evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort, reminding them of family gatherings.
- The icebox also represents a form of containment, often relating to how we deal with emotional memories and experiences.
Origin of 'icebox'
The term "icebox" originated in the early 19th century when ice was used to cool food and drinks. Before the invention of electric refrigeration, iceboxes were common in households. They were wooden or metal containers insulated with cork or sawdust, with a compartment for ice. As technology advanced, iceboxes were replaced by modern refrigerators, but the term continues to be used to refer to older models or as a nostalgic nod to the past.