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Refrigerator: meaning, definitions and examples

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refrigerator

 

[rɪˈfrɪdʒəˌreɪtər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

kitchen appliance

A refrigerator is a large metal container that is kept cold inside and is used for keeping food fresh.

Synonyms

fridge, icebox.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
refrigerator

A formal and technical term, often used in academic, professional, or official settings to refer to the appliance used for keeping food and drinks cold.

  • The new refrigerator has an energy-efficient rating.
  • Please check the refrigerator for any expired items.
fridge

A common and informal term often used in everyday conversation. This term is widely accepted in both casual and semi-formal settings.

  • Can you get some milk from the fridge?
  • The fridge is full of leftovers from last night's dinner.
icebox

A somewhat outdated and historical term, originally referring to early refrigeration devices that used ice to keep items cold. It may still be used in specific regional dialects or to evoke a nostalgic or old-fashioned tone.

  • Grandma still calls her refrigerator the icebox.
  • Back in the day, people had to put ice in the icebox to keep their food from spoiling.

Examples of usage

  • The milk goes in the refrigerator to keep it cold.
  • I need to buy some vegetables to put in the refrigerator.
  • She opened the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of water.
Context #2 | Noun

household necessity

A refrigerator is an essential appliance in most homes, used to store perishable food items.

Synonyms

cooler, fridge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
refrigerator

This term is formal and commonly used in written communication, manuals, and professional settings. It is also appropriate when discussing appliances in general terms.

  • We need to buy a new refrigerator for the kitchen.
  • The refrigerator in the lab keeps all the samples at a constant temperature.
fridge

This is an informal and widely used term, particularly in everyday conversation and casual contexts. It's a short form of 'refrigerator' and is commonly used at home or among friends.

  • Can you grab some juice from the fridge?
  • The leftovers are in the fridge if you get hungry.
cooler

Use 'cooler' when referring to a portable insulated container used to keep food and drinks cold, especially during outdoor activities such as picnics or camping.

  • Make sure to pack the cooler with ice and drinks for the picnic.
  • The drinks stayed cold in the cooler all day.

Examples of usage

  • Ice cream should be stored in the freezer section of the refrigerator.
  • The refrigerator door was covered with magnets and photos.
  • She stocked the refrigerator with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Context #3 | Noun

commercial use

In commercial settings, a refrigerator is often used to store large quantities of food and beverages at cold temperatures.

Synonyms

chiller, cold storage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
refrigerator

Common household appliance used to keep food and drinks cold.

  • Put the milk in the refrigerator so it stays fresh.
  • Our refrigerator broke down, and we had to get a new one.
chiller

Typically used in commercial settings to cool large areas or specific items requiring consistent low temperatures.

  • The industrial chiller in the factory malfunctioned, causing a temporary halt in production.
  • We will use a chiller to keep the beverages cold for the event.
cold storage

Refers to specialized facilities designed to store perishable goods at low temperatures, often used in logistics and food processing industries.

  • The company has a massive cold storage unit where they keep all the frozen products.
  • Fish are transported from the port directly to cold storage to prevent spoilage.

Examples of usage

  • The restaurant had a walk-in refrigerator for storing meat and dairy products.
  • The supermarket installed new refrigerators to keep their products fresh.
  • The laboratory required a specialized refrigerator for storing sensitive samples.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'refrigerare', which means 'to cool again'.
  • In the 19th century, the word 'refrigerator' referred specifically to a machine that kept things cold.
  • The use of 'refrigerator' in English dates back to the late 1800s, reflecting advancements in home appliances.

Historical Innovations

  • The first practical refrigerator for homes was invented in 1913 by Fred W. Wolf.
  • Before electric refrigerators, people used iceboxes, which were insulated boxes that held ice to keep food cool.
  • Refrigeration technology dramatically changed food preservation, impacting both home kitchens and the food industry.

Science and Technology

  • Refrigerators work by using a refrigerant that changes from liquid to gas, absorbing heat and keeping the interior cool.
  • The average refrigerator uses about 10% of a household's energy consumption, making it an essential yet energy-consuming device.
  • Modern refrigerators often include features like smart technology that can monitor food storage and even notify you when you’re running low on essentials.

Cultural Impact

  • In many cultures, the refrigerator is often a gathering place for family members, reflecting its central role in daily life.
  • Food-related social traditions, like sharing meals, have flourished with the ability to store food properly.
  • The refrigerator has become a symbol of convenience in modern life, changing how we shop and cook.

Pop Culture

  • In various movies and TV shows, refrigerators have featured as crucial props, often storing comic relief snacks or unexpected surprises.
  • Animated films often use refrigerators as settings for quirky characters, like talking food and adventure plots.
  • The image of a refrigerator is frequently used in advertisements to symbolize freshness and health.

Translations

Translations of the word "refrigerator" in other languages:

🇵🇹 refrigerador

🇮🇳 रेफ्रिजरेटर

🇩🇪 Kühlschrank

🇮🇩 kulkas

🇺🇦 холодильник

🇵🇱 lodówka

🇯🇵 冷蔵庫 (れいぞうこ)

🇫🇷 réfrigérateur

🇪🇸 refrigerador

🇹🇷 buzdolabı

🇰🇷 냉장고 (naengjanggo)

🇸🇦 ثلاجة (thallaja)

🇨🇿 lednička

🇸🇰 chladnička

🇨🇳 冰箱 (bīngxiāng)

🇸🇮 hladilnik

🇮🇸 ísskápur

🇰🇿 тоңазытқыш

🇬🇪 მაცივარი (matsivari)

🇦🇿 soyuducu

🇲🇽 refrigerador

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,244 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.