What does refrigerated mean?
The word refrigerated refers to something that is preserved at a low temperature, typically in a refrigerator. This can include food, drinks, or even air conditioning systems. The word is often used in formal contexts to describe something that is literally preserved at a low temperature, but in informal contexts, it can be used more loosely to describe something that is simply cool or refreshing. Refrigerated is an adjective and is often used in combination with other words to describe the temperature or state of something. For example, 'the refrigerated food' or 'the refrigerated air conditioning system'. The word has been in use since the mid-20th century and is derived from the verb refrigerate, which means to preserve something at a low temperature. Refrigerated is a useful word to know in a variety of contexts, including cooking, engineering, and everyday conversation.
adjectivePreserved at a low temperature, typically in a refrigerator.
- Preserved at a low temperature, typically in a refrigerator.
"The refrigerated food was stored in the back of the van."
"The refrigerated food was stored in the back of the van."
"The refrigerated air conditioning system kept the room cool."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of refrigerated
The word refrigerated is derived from the verb refrigerate, which was first used in the mid-19th century. The verb is itself derived from the Latin words 'refrigerare', meaning 'to cool' or 'to refresh', and the suffix '-ate', which is used to form verbs. The word refrigerated has been in use since the mid-20th century and is commonly used in both British and American English.
How refrigerated is actually used
In informal contexts, refrigerated can be used to describe something that is simply cool or refreshing, but in formal contexts, it is best to use the word to describe something that is literally preserved at a low temperature.