rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryrefrigerationArtificial cooling
noun

refrigeration

rih-frij-uh-RAY-shun/rɪˌfrɪdʒəˈreɪʃn/

Cooling or preserving something by artificially lowering its temperature.

Refrigeration keeps the stored produce cool.

Cold storage shelves keep produce cool with visible refrigeration vents.
Etymology
reLatinback, again
+frigerLatinmake cool
+ationLatinaction or process

These pieces name the action of cooling down. Refrigeration first meant cooling or freezing generally, then acquired the specific application of preserving provisions by freezing them.

In context

Premodernist3:43
In modern society, with electrical refrigeration, we handle the prevention of spoilage almost entirely through the third thing, through controlling temperature. We keep everything cold.
Did people eat spoiled meat in the Middle Ages?

More examples

  • Refrigeration slowed the spoilage of the produce.
  • The building needed repairs to its refrigeration system.
  • The label instructed the user to keep the product under refrigeration.

Forms

refrigeration

refrigerate verb — cool or preserve by lowering temperature

Similar words

cooling
Cooling lowers temperature generally; refrigeration uses a system to remove heat and maintain cold conditions.
freezing
Freezing brings material below its freezing point; refrigeration need not make it freeze.