refresh

The periodic energizing required to maintain the contents of computer memory, the display luminance of a computer screen, etc.

Noun

  1. The periodic energizing required to maintain the contents of computer memory, the display luminance of a computer screen, etc.
  2. The update of a display (in a web browser or similar software) to show the latest version of the data.
  3. The process of modernizing something.
    • Experiences such as the Al Qaeda threat have provided a taste of how the landscape may have changed very fundamentally. Do these changes spell the end of the Cycle as a useful concept, or does it just need a refresh? -...
    • We leave on time and immediately I'm aware of the Cummins underfloor engine. There are rattles aplenty - this train is old, tired, and needs a refresh. - 2026 January 7, 'Mystery Shopper', “Cornish cream - without the...

Origin

From Middle English refreshen, refreschen, refrisschen, from Old French refrescher (“to refresh”) (modern French rafraîchir), equivalent to re- + fresh.

Forms

refreshes

Derived

adaptive tile refresh refresh rate

Verb

  1. To renew or revitalize.
    • Sleep refreshes the body and the mind.
    • Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the...
  2. To become fresh again; to be revitalized.
  3. To reload (a document, especially a webpage) and show any new changes.
    • She refreshed the page. She was still the high bidder. Good. - 2007, Beth Harbison, Shoe Addicts Anonymous:
  4. To cause (a web browser or similar software) to refresh its display.
    • You can save your code, refresh your browser, and see a change instantly. This simple trick turns a lowly web browser into a development environment […] - 2007, Philip C Plumlee, Test Driven Ajax (on Rails):
  5. To perform the periodic energizing required to maintain the contents of computer memory, the display luminance of a computer screen, etc.
  6. To take refreshment; to eat or drink.
    • We got within two miles of there, and stopped in the woods out of sight, where we refreshed with some brandy, and gave the two boys very large portions. - 1972, Vermont History, volume 40, page 268:

Forms

refreshes refreshing refreshed

Derived

autorefresh refreshable refreshaholic refresher refreshful refresh someone's memory