refrigerant

[ ri-frij-er-uhnt ]

adjective

1. refrigerating; cooling.
2. reducing bodily heat or fever.

noun

1. a refrigerant agent, as a drug.
2. a liquid capable of vaporizing at a low temperature, as ammonia, used in mechanical refrigeration.
3. a cooling substance, as ice or solid carbon dioxide, used in a refrigerator.

refrigerant

/ rɪˈfrɪdʒərənt /

noun

1. a fluid capable of changes of phase at low temperatures: used as the working fluid of a refrigerator
2. a cooling substance, such as ice or solid carbon dioxide
3. med an agent that provides a sensation of coolness or reduces fever

adjective

1. causing cooling or freezing

refrigerant

/ rĭ-frĭj′ər-ənt /

1. A substance, such as ice or ammonia, used to cool something by absorbing heat from it. Refrigerants are usually substances that evaporate quickly. In the process of evaporation they draw heat from surrounding substances.

Other Words From

• nonre·friger·ant adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of refrigerant¹

1590–1600; < Latin refrīgerant- (stem of refrīgerāns ), present participle of refrīgerāre. See refrigerate, -ant

Example Sentences

The federal and international focus was on stopping production of a dangerous refrigerant.

From Vox

The source of many harmful chlorine radicals in the atmosphere were refrigerants used in air conditioning and aerosol cans.

From Science News For Students

Yet regardless of the refrigerant used, cooling still requires energy.

From Time

By then, CFCs were used not only as refrigerants but also as spray can propellants, manufacturing degreasers, and foam-blowing agents.

From Time

Although the number of refrigerant molecules in the atmosphere is far fewer than those of other greenhouse gases, their destructive force, molecule for molecule, is far greater.

From Time

When both together, the Citrate of Potash would undergo oxidation, and thus exert an operation in the blood of a refrigerant kind.

From Project Gutenberg

Occasionally alcohol or vinegar may be added with advantage to the water, with the view of increasing its refrigerant effects.

From Project Gutenberg

If the inflammation is severe, let the patient use a refrigerant lotion.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a consideration, Sir Poet, which may serve as a refrigerant for their ardour.

From Project Gutenberg

Astringent and refrigerant; highly extolled in chronic dysentery, diarrha, English cholera, and relaxations generally.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• container