refrigeration

Everyday

1. Refrigeration is keeping things cold, especially food and medicine, using a fridge, freezer or other cooling machine. tree →
2. It also means the technology and machines that make things cold. tree →

In the lessons

In science and food safety lessons, refrigeration slows down the growth of bacteria so food stays fresh longer; fridges should be below about 5 °C (41 °F). In history, before refrigeration people used ice houses, salt and smoking to keep food. Labels say "keep refrigerated" or "requires refrigeration after opening".

Examples

• Milk needs refrigeration or it goes sour. tree →
• Before refrigeration, people kept food cold with ice from lakes. tree →
• The vaccine must be kept under refrigeration. tree →
• Refrigeration slows down the growth of germs. tree →
• The ketchup bottle says "refrigeration after opening". tree →
• Lorries with refrigeration carry frozen food to shops. tree →
• Refrigeration changed how people shop and eat. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Verb: refrigerate; adjective: refrigerated. "Fridge" is short for refrigerator — note fridge has a d, refrigerator does not. Cold slows germs but does not kill them.