defroster

American  

[dih-fraw-ster, -fros-ter] / dɪˈfrɔ stər, -ˈfrɒs tər /

noun

1. a person or thing that defrosts.

2. especially British, demister.  Also called defogger.  a device for melting frost, ice, or condensation on a windshield or other window of an automobile, airplane, etc., by warming the window.

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defroster British  

/ diːˈfrɒstə /

noun

1. a device by which the de-icing process of a refrigerator is accelerated, usually by circulating the refrigerant without the expansion process

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Etymology

Origin of defroster

First recorded in 1925–30; defrost + -er ¹

Example Sentences

I said my goodbyes, brushed the snow off my mini-SUV and cranked up the defroster.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2023

The Corvette came with windshield defroster and cigarette lighter.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 10, 2022

Tesla has issued 10 recalls since October on a range of problems, from a defective trunk latching mechanism to a faulty windshield defroster.

From The Verge • Feb. 17, 2022

There are no dials or buttons to control the heat, air conditioning, wipers or defroster.

From Washington Times • Jan. 11, 2020

When she was coming home in the rain on the expressway one night, the defroster conked out and the windshield fogged up.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times