Word: Ice Machine
Definition:
An ice machine is a device, usually electric, that makes and supplies ice cubes. It is often found in homes, restaurants, and hotels, providing a convenient way to get ice for drinks or food.
Usage Instructions:
- You can use an ice machine at parties to quickly have ice available for drinks. - In restaurants, staff might refill drinks with ice from the ice machine.
Example Sentence:
"We used the ice machine to fill the cooler with ice for the picnic."
Advanced Usage:
In some places, ice machines can also produce different sizes or shapes of ice, such as crushed ice or ice nuggets, allowing for more variety in drinks.
Word Variants:
- Ice Cube: A small, cube-shaped piece of frozen water made by the ice machine. - Ice Maker: Another term often used interchangeably with "ice machine," but it can also refer to smaller, portable devices that make ice.
Different Meanings:
- The term "ice" can refer to frozen water in general, while "machine" refers to a device that performs a function. Together, "ice machine" specifically means the device for creating ice.
Synonyms:
- Ice maker - Ice dispenser (if it also dispenses ice) - Freezer (in a broader sense, since many freezers can make ice)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
- There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "ice machine," but you might hear phrases like "break the ice," which means to start a conversation in a social setting, often to help people feel more comfortable.
Conclusion:
An ice machine is a useful appliance for making ice quickly and easily.