geladeira
/ʒe.laˈdej.ɾa/
Definition
A large kitchen appliance that keeps food and drinks cold. In everyday life, it is one of the most essential items in a home.
Example
Coloca o suco na geladeira antes de servir.
Show translation
Put the juice in the fridge before serving.
Etymology
From Portuguese "gelada" (frozen, iced), derived from "gelo" (ice), which traces back to Latin "gelu" (frost, cold). The suffix "-eira" denotes a container or object associated with that quality — so "geladeira" is literally "the thing that makes things icy."
Cultural note
This is the standard Brazilian Portuguese word for refrigerator. European Portuguese speakers say "frigorífico" instead — a classic Brazil vs. Portugal vocabulary split. Brazilians may also colloquially say "gelada" (short form) in some regions, though "geladeira" is the universally understood term across the country.