ice wagon

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Word: Ice Wagon

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: An "ice wagon" refers to a type of vehicle that was used in the past, specifically a horse-drawn wagon, to deliver ice to people’s homes. Before the invention of refrigerators, ice was a valuable commodity used to keep food and drinks cold. The ice wagon would travel through neighborhoods, and people would buy blocks of ice to use in their iceboxes (early refrigerators).

Usage Instructions

• Use "ice wagon" when talking about historical methods of ice delivery.
• It is not commonly used in modern language since ice delivery is not done this way anymore.

Example Sentence

• "In the early 1900s, the ice wagon would come down our street every Friday to deliver ice to the families."

Advanced Usage

• When discussing historical changes in technology, you might say: "The decline of the ice wagon marked the beginning of a new era in home refrigeration."

Word Variants

• Ice (noun): Frozen water.
• Wagon (noun): A vehicle used for transporting goods, which can be pulled by horses or other animals.

Different Meanings

• "Ice" can also refer to frozen water in general or slang for diamonds.
• "Wagon" can refer to any type of vehicle or cart, not just those that deliver ice.

Synonyms

• Ice delivery cart: A more descriptive term for the same concept.
• Ice truck: In modern terms, this would refer to a vehicle used for delivering ice, although it is powered by an engine rather than horses.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "ice wagon," but you might encounter phrases about "breaking the ice," which means starting a conversation in a social setting.

Conclusion

While "ice wagon" is not a term you will use in everyday conversations today, it is important for understanding history and how everyday life has changed over time.

Academic

Noun

1. (formerly) a horse-drawn wagon that delivered ice door to door

Synonyms

• ice-wagon