# refrigeration

/ɹɪˌfɹɪdʒɝˈeɪʃən/ (US) · /ɹɪfɹˌɪdʒəɹˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/refrigeration
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the process of keeping food, medicine, or other items cold so they stay fresh and safe to use. It stops bacteria from growing and prevents things from spoiling.

For teachers: the process of cooling or freezing a substance to maintain it at a temperature below that of the surrounding atmosphere. In medical contexts, it is essential for preserving the efficacy of vaccines and biological samples.

## Examples

- Proper refrigeration keeps the medicine safe.
- The clinic installed a backup generator to ensure continuous refrigeration for the temperature-sensitive vaccines during power outages.
- Advances in portable refrigeration technology have revolutionized the delivery of medical supplies to remote regions, where maintaining a strict cold chain was previously impossible.

## Usage notes

- Primarily uncountable when referring to the process or technology; rarely used in the plural.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.