from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Refrigerator \Re*frig"er*a`tor\ (-?`t?r), n.
That which refrigerates or makes cold; that which keeps cool.
Specifically:
(a) A box or room for keeping food or other articles cool,
usually by means of ice.
(b) An apparatus for rapidly cooling heated liquids or
vapors, connected with a still, etc.
[1913 Webster]
{Refrigerator car} (Railroad), a freight car constructed as a
refrigerator, for the transportation of fresh meats, fish,
etc., in a temperature kept cool by ice.
[1913 Webster]
from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Appliance \Ap*pli"ance\, n.
1. The act of applying; application.
[1913 Webster]
2. subservience; compliance. [Obs.] --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
3. A thing applied or used as a means to an end; an apparatus
or device; as, to use various appliances; a mechanical
appliance; a machine with its appliances.
[1913 Webster]
4. Specifically: An apparatus or device, usually powered
electrically, used in homes to perform domestic functions.
An appliance is often categorized as a major appliance or
a minor appliance by its cost. Common major appliances are
the {refrigerator}, {washing machine}, {clothes drier},
{oven}, and {dishwasher}. Some minor appliances are a
{toaster}, {vacuum cleaner} or {microwave oven}.
[PJC]