ICEBOX Meaning and
Definition
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An icebox is a noun that refers to a refrigeration device used to store perishable food items and maintain them at a cool temperature. The term specifically dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when this type of appliance was commonly used before the advent of modern refrigerators.
Traditionally, an icebox consisted of an insulated cabinet made of wood, metal, or other materials, with a door that helped to seal the cold air inside. It typically had one or more compartments designed to hold blocks of ice, which acted as the cooling element. These compartments were strategically placed to allow cool air to circulate, keeping the stored food fresh.
The icebox would rely on regular deliveries of ice, usually provided by an ice delivery service, to replenish the melted ice blocks. This manual process required users to empty the melted water from a drainage system and replace it with fresh ice to maintain the desired temperature.
Over time, the icebox evolved into the modern electric refrigerator, rendering the term somewhat obsolete. However, the term "icebox" still persists as a colloquial expression to describe early refrigeration devices or to evoke a sense of nostalgia associated with a simpler time before the widespread use of more advanced cooling technologies.
Common Misspellings for ICEBOX
Etymology of ICEBOX
The word "icebox" originated in the early 19th century as a term for a box or cabinet that was used to store or preserve perishable food items, particularly before the invention of modern refrigeration technology.
The term "icebox" is derived from the practice of using blocks of ice to cool the interior of these cabinets. It was common to place a large block of ice in a compartment within the box, which would release cold air and help keep the contents cool.
The word itself is a combination of "ice" and "box", referring to the function and purpose of the device. As refrigeration technology advanced, the term "icebox" gradually fell out of common usage and was replaced by "refrigerator" or "fridge". Despite its obsolescence, "icebox" remains as a nostalgic term that reminds us of early methods of food preservation.
Idioms with the word ICEBOX
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(someone) could sell an icebox to an Eskimo
The idiom "(someone) could sell an icebox to an Eskimo" means that a person is exceptionally persuasive or skilled at selling or convincing others, even if it involves selling something that is unnecessary or redundant to the intended audience. It implies that the person has the ability to influence and sell anything, regardless of its practicality or relevance to the buyer.
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