Icemen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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icemen
[ˈaɪsˌmæn ]
Definition
occupational role
Iceman refers to a person who harvested and sold ice before the invention of refrigeration. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, icemen were common in many cities, delivering blocks of ice to homes and businesses for cooling purposes. The occupation died out as refrigeration technology became widespread. Today, the term iceman can also refer to someone who works with ice in modern contexts, such as food and beverage services.
Synonyms
ice dealer, ice vendor.
Examples of usage
- The iceman arrived early in the morning with fresh blocks of ice.
- In the summer, the iceman was busy delivering ice to all the local shops.
- Before refrigerators, families relied on the iceman to keep their food from spoiling.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The practice of harvesting ice dates back to ancient China, where people would cut ice from lakes in winter for use in summer.
- In the 19th century, ice production became an industry, with ice harvested from frozen lakes and rivers being transported large distances.
Technology
- With the invention of refrigeration in the late 1800s, the need for icemen declined rapidly.
- Commercial ice-making machines were developed, making it easier and cheaper to produce ice than to harvest it from nature.
Cultural Impact
- Icemen were vital to the economy, providing ice for food preservation and affecting how people stored food and beverages.
- In some cultures, the arrival of icemen was celebrated during summer, as fresh ice meant cool relief from the heat.
Science
- Ice has a unique molecular structure that allows it to float on water, making it essential for various ecosystems.
- The freezing point of water is 0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which is how icemen knew the best times to harvest ice.
Literature
- The role of icemen has been depicted in literature as a symbol of a simpler, less technological past.
- Several stories portray icemen as rugged individuals, reflecting the challenges and lifestyles of early American life.
Origin of 'icemen'
The word 'iceman' has its origins in the early 19th century, derived from the combination of 'ice' and 'man'. The term 'ice' itself comes from the Old English word 'Ä«sce', which relates to frozen water. In the context of an iceman, the profession developed in response to the growing demand for ice as a means of food preservation and cooling in households before modern refrigeration existed. The iceman would typically deliver large blocks of ice harvested from frozen lakes or manufactured in ice plants. As technology advanced and everyday refrigeration became accessible to the general public in the 20th century, the need for icemen diminished significantly. The language adapted alongside societal changes, leading to a decline in the usage of the term, although it remains a historical reference to an important occupation of the past.