Refrigerate: meaning, definitions and examples

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refrigerate

 

[rɪˈfrɪdʒ.ɪ.keɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

food storage

To refrigerate means to cool or store food or other perishable items in a refrigerator. This process slows down the growth of bacteria and helps in preserving the freshness of the items for a longer period.

Synonyms

chill, cool, freeze.

Examples of usage

  • You should refrigerate the leftovers to avoid spoilage.
  • Make sure to refrigerate the salad dressing after opening.
  • It's important to refrigerate dairy products to maintain their quality.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'refrigerare,' which means 'to cool off.'
  • It has been used in the English language since the early 17th century.

Science

  • Refrigeration works by removing heat from an area, making it cooler, which slows down the growth of bacteria.
  • The process often involves a refrigerant, a substance that absorbs heat, such as Freon.

History

  • The first mechanical refrigeration system was designed in the 1750s, changing how food was stored.
  • The introduction of home refrigerators in the 1920s revolutionized food storage and safety.

Technology

  • Modern refrigerators use energy-efficient technology, reducing power consumption compared to earlier models.
  • Smart refrigerators can connect to the internet, helping users keep track of ingredients and expiration dates.

Culture

  • In many cultures, refrigeration has allowed for a greater variety of foods to be stored, changing dietary habits.
  • Food preservation techniques such as pickling or canning were traditionally used before refrigerators became common.

Translations

Translations of the word "refrigerate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 refrigerar

🇮🇳 ठंडा करना

🇩🇪 kühlen

🇮🇩 mendinginkan

🇺🇦 охолоджувати

🇵🇱 schłodzić

🇯🇵 冷やす

🇫🇷 réfrigérer

🇪🇸 refrigerar

🇹🇷 soğutmak

🇰🇷 냉장하다

🇸🇦 تبريد

🇨🇿 chladit

🇸🇰 ochladzovať

🇨🇳 冷藏

🇸🇮 hladiti

🇮🇸 kæla

🇰🇿 салқындату

🇬🇪 გაგრილების

🇦🇿 soyutmaq

🇲🇽 refrigerar

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,376, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.