Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

refrigerator car

American  

noun

  1. a freight car having either an ice chest or machinery for chilling perishables and sometimes having a heating unit to keep perishables from freezing.


Etymology

Origin of refrigerator car

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

His body was brought home in a refrigerator car meant for oysters.

From New York Times • Feb. 18, 2018

Alarmed, he caused a refrigerator car to be filled with ice, installed other conveniences, got in himself, started for Canada with his physician.

From Time Magazine Archive

Thus was inscribed a "thermos box" of roses, jonquils, carnations, Japanese flowering quince sent by refrigerator car from San Francisco to be worn by Mrs. Coolidge on the great day.

From Time Magazine Archive

In 1857 the first refrigerator car was attempted and in 1859 the first Pullman sleeping car introduced.

From Time Magazine Archive

The refrigerator car and ship made the packing industry as stable as the production of cotton or corn, and gave an immense impetus to cattle raising and sheep farming.

From History of the United States by Beard, Charles A. (Charles Austin)