Melting: meaning, definitions and examples

Melting is used when a solid substance like ice or metal changes to a liquid due to heat.

• The snow is melting in the sun.
• The chocolate started melting in her hand.

Liquefy is often used when making something liquid, usually by applying heat or pressure, and can be used for substances that are not typically solid.

• The machine can liquefy plastic for recycling.
• Liquefy the fruits to make a smoothie.

Dissolve is used when a solid substance breaks down into smaller particles and combines with a solvent to form a solution.

• Sugar dissolves in water.
• The pills dissolve quickly in hot tea.

Thaw is used when something frozen returns to a liquid state or becomes softer, typically due to an increase in temperature.

• We need to thaw the chicken before cooking.
• The ice on the windshield began to thaw as the sun rose.