Refrigerate
/rɪˈfrɪdʒ.ə.reɪt/noun
To make (something) cold or cool, especially by the use of a refrigerating machine.
Did you know?The word 'refrigerate' stems from a Latin term meaning 'to make cool', evoking ancient practices of preserving food using ice and snow, a magical method of halting decay.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
refrigerare
“to cool or make cold, literally 'to make cold again'.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
refrigeratio
“a cooling or refrigeration process.”
Middle English
Middle English
refrigeraten
“to make cold or chill.”
Modern English
English
refrigerate
“to lower the temperature of something, especially for preservation.”
Explore more surprising origins