Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Ice Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

❄️
Add to dictionary

ice

[aɪs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

cold substance

Frozen water, a brittle, transparent crystalline solid.

Synonyms

frost, frozen water, icicle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
ice

General term for water that has turned solid due to cold temperatures. It can be found in nature or can be made artificially.

  • The pond was covered with a thick layer of ice.
  • Can you put some ice in my drink?
frost

Refers to a thin layer of ice that forms on surfaces when the temperature drops below freezing. Often seen on windows, grass, and pavements in the morning.

  • There was frost on the car windows this morning.
  • The ground was covered in frost.
frozen water

Describes water that has turned into ice. Usually used in scientific or descriptive contexts.

  • Frozen water can cause pipes to burst in the winter.
  • The polar regions are covered in vast amounts of frozen water.
icicle

A spike of ice formed when water drips and freezes as it falls. Often seen hanging from edges of roofs or other areas where water drips.

  • Icicles hung from the edge of the roof after the snowstorm.
  • Be careful of falling icicles when walking under buildings.

Examples of usage

  • The ice on the lake was thick enough to skate on.
  • Can you put some ice in my drink, please?
Context #2 | Noun

diamond

A piece of jewelry consisting of a precious stone set in a setting.

Synonyms

gemstone, jewel, precious stone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
ice

Can also be used as slang to refer to expensive diamonds, particularly in contexts related to fashion and luxury.

  • He showed off his new watch covered in ice.
  • Her earrings were pure ice, sparkling brightly under the light.
gemstone

Typically used in the context of geology, jewelry, or gemology. This term is often used for natural minerals that are cut and polished for use in jewelry.

  • The jeweler showed us a stunning blue gemstone.
  • She has a collection of rare gemstones from around the world.
jewel

A more general term for any cut and polished mineral used in fine jewelry. It can also metaphorically describe something or someone precious and valuable.

  • This crown is adorned with many jewels.
  • Her performance was the jewel of the evening.
precious stone

Often used interchangeably with gemstone, but typically emphasizes the value and rarity of the stone. This term is widely used in contexts related to high-end jewelry and collectibles.

  • The ring features a precious stone that is over 100 years old.
  • Only the most skilled craftsmen can work with such precious stones.

Examples of usage

  • She wore a beautiful diamond ice around her neck.
  • The ice on her finger sparkled in the sunlight.
Context #3 | Verb

cooling

To cool with ice.

Synonyms

chill, cool, freeze.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
ice

Refers to the substance made of frozen water. Often specific to the context of drinks or temperature.

  • He slipped on the ice and fell.
  • She put ice on her sprained ankle.
chill

Used to describe a slight coldness, often in the air or in one's body. Can also mean to relax or calm down.

  • There's a chill in the air tonight.
  • Let's just chill and watch a movie.
cool

Used to describe a moderate coldness, often pleasant. Can also mean something fashionable or admirable.

  • It's nice and cool in the shade.
  • That's a really cool outfit you're wearing.
freeze

Used to describe turning into ice or being very cold. Often used negatively to describe extreme cold.

  • If you leave water outside in this weather, it will freeze.
  • I forgot my coat and now I'm freezing.

Examples of usage

  • Could you ice the drinks before the party?
  • The athlete iced his sore muscles after the game.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Ice is less dense than liquid water, which is why it floats on top of lakes and oceans.
  • When water freezes, its molecules arrange themselves in a crystal structure, making it solid and giving it unique properties.
  • Ice can exist in different forms, such as small crystals (snowflakes) or large sheets (icebergs).

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, ice has been celebrated in festivals, symbolizing winter and purity.
  • Ice sculptures are a popular art form, particularly at festivals in cold regions, showcasing creativity in a frozen medium.
  • In Japan, ice is revered in traditional rituals and is even produced in unique ways to ensure purity and clarity.

Environmental Aspects

  • Polar ice caps are crucial for maintaining the Earth’s climate, reflecting sunlight and keeping temperatures stable.
  • The melting of ice due to climate change poses a significant threat to sea levels and ecosystems around the globe.
  • Ice plays a vital role in Earth’s water cycle, storing freshwater and slowly releasing it when it melts.

Pop Culture

  • Ice is often used symbolically in movies to represent coldness or isolation, as seen in films like ‘Frozen’.
  • Many popular songs reference ice, often as a metaphor for feelings of detachment or coolness in relationships.
  • The term 'ice' has been used in slang to describe diamonds or anything precious and sparkling, linking it to wealth.

Origin of 'ice'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'īs', which means 'frozen water'.
  • In many languages, the term for ice is related to the word for water, showing their close connection when it’s frozen.
  • The term has its roots in Proto-Germanic and can be traced back to other ancient languages, indicating its long history.

The word 'ice' has Old English origins, with a history dating back to the 9th century. It is derived from the Old English word 'īs', which is related to the Dutch 'ijs' and the German 'Eis'. Ice has been used to describe frozen water since ancient times, with its importance in preserving food and cooling drinks recognized across various cultures.

See also: deicing, icebox, iced, icicle, icing, icy.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,729, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.