air-conditioner

A family turns on the air-conditioner on a hot summer day.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A device that cools and dehumidifies the air: An "air-conditioner" is a machine or system that controls the temperature and humidity of the air in a room, building, or vehicle, typically by cooling it.

Usage Examples

• (A cooling device for a specific room.)
• (A system or unit in a workplace.)
• (A vehicle's cooling system.)

Advanced Usage

• "to run the air-conditioner": to operate the device to cool the air.

  • Please run the air-conditioner only when the room is occupied. (Operate the cooling unit efficiently.)

• "central air-conditioner": a system that cools an entire building through ducts.

  • The house has a central air-conditioner that keeps every room comfortable. (A whole-building cooling system.)

Variants and Related Words

• Air-conditioning (n): the process or system of cooling and dehumidifying air.

  • The air-conditioning in this building is very effective. (The cooling system as a whole.)

• Air-conditioned (adj): having air-conditioning.

  • We stayed in an air-conditioned hotel room. (A room with a cooling system.)

Synonyms

• Cooler: a device that reduces temperature (less common and less specific).
• Climate control system: a broader term for managing temperature and humidity (often used in vehicles or buildings).
• HVAC unit: an abbreviation for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, which includes cooling systems.

Related Idioms

• "Blowing cold air": an informal phrase to describe an air-conditioner in operation.

  • The air-conditioner is blowing cold air now, so the room is comfortable. (The unit is actively cooling.)

• "Crank up the AC": an informal expression meaning to turn on or increase the power of an air-conditioner.

  • It's so hot; let's crank up the AC. (Increase the cooling output of the air-conditioner.)