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ice machine

ice machine

7 2.0
A device that makes and gives ice cubes
  • noun
  • /aɪs məˈʃin/
translation icon : máquina de hielo
  • The ice machine in the hallway dispenses both cubed and crushed ice for guests.
  • next to the ice machine
  • find the ice machine

There's an ice machine, you guys, there's an ice machine that's like ice machine and laundry.

Examples

  • On the way back from the ice machine, I slip Mrs. Johnson six dollars for the collection plate at her church.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • The ice machine was under this exit sign.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • Is there an ice machine on this floor?

  • How about, honey, you go find me the ice machine, huh?

  • We can always use that room with the ice machine.

  • My room is by the ice machine.

  • Excuse me, am I near the ice machine?

  • By the time I reached the ice machine, I knew I wouldn't get back to sleep.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • Facilities at the cooperative include ice machines.

    Academic text (1990)
  • At the far end of a narrow hallway, Carrie finds an ice machine rumbling away noisily.

    Fiction book (1993)

Synonyms

ice maker
vsice machine
3 1.9

A machine in a fridge or a separate appliance that makes ice cubes by itself

is a powered unit that also dispenses ice cubes
icemaker
vsice machine
1 3.0

A machine that makes ice for drinks or food storage

is a powered device that specifically makes and dispenses ice cubes

Surface Forms

ice machine singular
ice machines plural

Morphology

ice + machine

The meaning 'a machine that produces ice' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'ice' (frozen water) with 'machine' (a powered device), so a learner who knows both words will infer the compound's function. This is a straightforward compositional noun compound following common cross-linguistic patterns, making it easily understandable to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Ice machine comes from the simple idea of a machine that makes ice. Because people used these devices in bars and hotels to make or give out ice cubes, the phrase now means 'a machine that produces ice'.