Definition of "refrigerant" [re•frig•er•ant]

• Cooling or freezing; refrigerating. (adjective)
• Medicine Reducing fever. (adjective)
• A substance, such as air, ammonia, water, or carbon dioxide, used to provide cooling either as the working substance of a refrigerator or by direct absorption of heat. (noun)
• Medicine An agent used to reduce fever. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Beaware that the EPA fine for the intentional release of a refrigerant is $27,500."
• "Water Vapor Cooling: ÂWater vapor used as a refrigerant is called R-718."
• "Most of the latest dehumidifiers use R-410A refrigerant, which is also common in new air conditioners."