refrigerate

[ ri-frij-uh-reyt ]

verb (used with object)

, re·frig·er·at·ed, re·frig·er·at·ing.

1. to make or keep cold or cool, as for preservation.

refrigerate

/ rɪˈfrɪdʒəˌreɪt /

verb

1. to make or become frozen or cold, esp for preservative purposes; chill or freeze

Derived Forms

• reˈfrigeratory, adjectivenoun
• reˌfrigerˈation, noun
• reˈfrigerative, adjective

Other Words From

• re·friger·ative re·frig·er·a·to·ry [ri-, frij, -er-, uh, -tawr-ee, -, tohr, -ee], adjective
• nonre·friger·ated adjective
• unre·friger·ated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of refrigerate¹

1525–35; < Latin refrīgerātus, past participle of refrīgerāre to make cool, equivalent to re- re- + frīgerāre to make cool, derivative of frīgus cold; -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of refrigerate¹

C16: from Latin refrīgerāre to make cold, from re- + frīgus cold

Example Sentences

No longer delivered "on the hoof" to cities, cattle were now slaughtered in Chicago and sent East as tinned meat or, after the 1870s, in refrigerated railcars.

From Salon

There are gently arcing palm trees, a gleaming built-in barbecue, a refrigerated drawer full of chilled sparkling waters.

From Los Angeles Times

Many plant-based milks, the kind found in boxes in the coffee or baking aisles rather than the refrigerated section, are also shelf-stable and often fortified with essential nutrients.

From Salon

Thanks to a sprawling global supply chain, refrigerated cargo ships, controlled-environment greenhouses and the introduction of artificial ripening techniques, American shoppers have gradually become untethered from the natural cycles of the earth.

From Salon

Fresh meat, seafood, cheese and other refrigerated foods could spoil before they can complete their journeys, and fresh berries, along with other fruits and vegetables, could perish before reaching their destinations.

From Salon

Related Words

• cool
• freeze