Refrigerator Definition, Examples & Usage Tips

Meaning 1：Food cooler (Refrigerator)

Refrigerator 🔊

/rɪˈfrɪdʒəreɪtər/

A refrigerator is a household appliance that cools food and drinks to keep them fresh and prevent spoiling.

Refrigerator in kitchen with magnets and food inside

Food cooler 🔊

➕

/fuːd ˈkuːlər/

A refrigerator is an electrical appliance used to preserve food by keeping it at a low temperature.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Latin 'refrigerare': re- 'again' + frigerare 'make cool' + -or/-ator 'device'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 're-fridge-er-ator' – a device that fridges (cools) food repeatedly.

📖 Example

After making a big salad, I always store the extra vegetables in the refrigerator to keep them crunchy for tomorrow. 🔊 After making a big salad, I always store the extra vegetables in the refrigerator to keep them crunchy for tomorrow.

🔗 Collocations

refrigerator door – The hinged panel that provides access to the refrigerator's interior.

refrigerator temperature – The degree of coldness inside the refrigerator, typically set between 37°F and 40°F.

refrigerator repair – The process of fixing a malfunctioning refrigerator.

🔄 Synonyms

fridge (n) – A common short form for refrigerator, referring to the same cooling appliance.

icebox (n) – An older term for a refrigerator, originally insulated with ice.

cooler (n) – A portable container for keeping food and drinks cool, also a synonym in informal contexts.

🌱 Derivatives

refrigerate (v) – To cool or keep something cold.

refrigeration (n) – The process of cooling, especially for food preservation.

refrigerated (adj) – Kept cold by refrigeration.

📖 Cultural Story

Term originated in 17th century for a person or thing that cools. Electric fridges became common in the 1920s, revolutionizing food storage.