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Defrost: meaning, definitions and examples

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defrost

 

[diːˈfrɒst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

kitchen

To remove frost or ice from a surface by melting it.

Synonyms

de-ice, melt, thaw.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
defrost

Use when referring to removing ice or frost, usually from a refrigerator, freezer, or food items. Common in everyday household settings.

  • I need to defrost the chicken before cooking it.
  • The microwave has a defrost setting for frozen food.
melt

Use when referring to the process of turning a solid into a liquid, generally due to heat. Commonly applies to substances like ice, snow, chocolate, or butter.

  • The snow will melt quickly in the sunlight.
  • Melt the chocolate in a double boiler before adding it to the recipe.
thaw

Similar to 'defrost', but used more broadly to indicate warming up frozen items, as well as in natural settings where snow and ice are melting.

  • Make sure to thaw the turkey in the fridge before Thanksgiving.
  • The lake starts to thaw in early spring.
de-ice

Use when talking specifically about removing ice from vehicles, aircraft, or other mechanical surfaces, often applying to safety procedures.

  • The crew is working to de-ice the airplane wings before takeoff.
  • It's important to de-ice your car windows on a frosty morning.

Examples of usage

  • The best way to defrost meat is to leave it in the fridge overnight.
  • Don't use hot water to defrost your windshield, as it can crack the glass.
Context #2 | Noun

refrigerator

The setting on a refrigerator to remove frost from the freezer compartment.

Synonyms

de-icing, thawing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
defrost

Similar to the first 'defrost', often in household settings related to appliances or food. It can sometimes be confusing due to repetition in the list.

  • We should defrost the microwave before using it again.
  • I forgot to defrost the steaks for tonight's dinner.
de-icing

Commonly used in transportation, especially aviation, to describe the process of removing ice from vehicles, aircraft, or other surfaces.

  • The ground crew is de-icing the plane before takeoff.
  • De-icing the car's windshield took longer than I expected.
thawing

Describes the process of turning something frozen into its unfrozen state naturally or through gentle warming. Usually applied to food or natural events like ice melting in spring.

  • The meat is thawing in the sink.
  • Spring is coming, and all the snow is thawing.

Examples of usage

  • I need to turn up the defrost setting on my fridge, it's starting to build up ice.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the prefix 'de-' meaning reversal, and 'frost' which refers to ice or cold.
  • First used in the mid-1900s as refrigerators and microwaves became popular and changed how we cook.

Science

  • When food is frozen, ice crystals form, which can affect the texture and taste when it thaws.
  • Defrosting too quickly can lead to uneven temperatures, potentially reducing food safety.

Culinary Techniques

  • Three common methods are defrosting in the fridge, using cold water, or microwaving, each affecting texture differently.
  • Some foods like vegetables can be cooked from frozen due to their water content, avoiding the need to defrost at all.

Cultural Practices

  • In many cultures, slow defrosting is preferred to maintain the flavor and quality of traditional recipes.
  • The concept of defrosting has led to innovations in fast food and convenience meals, where speed is a priority.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, the concept of defrosting often makes comical moments, like a frozen character coming back to life.
  • Cooking shows frequently showcase defrosting techniques, emphasizing the importance of proper methods for great meals.

Translations

Translations of the word "defrost" in other languages:

🇵🇹 descongelar

🇮🇳 डीफ्रॉस्ट

🇩🇪 auftauen

🇮🇩 mencairkan

🇺🇦 розморожувати

🇵🇱 rozmrażać

🇯🇵 解凍する (かいとうする)

🇫🇷 dégivrer

🇪🇸 descongelar

🇹🇷 çözülmek

🇰🇷 해동하다 (haedonghada)

🇸🇦 إذابة الجليد

🇨🇿 rozmrazit

🇸🇰 rozmraziť

🇨🇳 解冻 (jiědòng)

🇸🇮 odmrzniti

🇮🇸 afþýða

🇰🇿 ерітү

🇬🇪 გალღობა (galghoba)

🇦🇿 ərimək

🇲🇽 descongelar

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,742 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.