Melts Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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melts

[mɛlts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

weather

Melts means to change from a solid to a liquid state under heat. It is a process of turning something solid into a liquid by heating it.

Synonyms

dissolve, liquefy, thaw.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
melts

Used when a solid turns into a liquid due to heat.

  • The butter melts in the pan
  • The snowman melts in the sun
liquefy

A more technical term often used in scientific or industrial contexts when a solid becomes a liquid, not necessarily due to heat.

  • The gas can be liquefied under high pressure
  • They use machines to liquefy organic waste
dissolve

Used when a solid becomes incorporated into a liquid, often referring to substances like salt, sugar, or chemicals.

  • The sugar dissolves in the tea
  • The tablet dissolves in water
thaw

Used when something frozen becomes unfrozen, often gradually, usually food or natural occurrences like ice.

  • The meat needs to thaw before cooking
  • The river began to thaw in early spring

Examples of usage

  • The snow melts under the warm sun.
  • Ice cream melts quickly on a hot day.
Context #2 | Verb

emotions

Melts means to soften or become more tender emotionally. It is often used to describe a feeling of warmth or affection towards someone or something.

Synonyms

move, soften, touch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
melts

This word is typically used to describe something solid turning into liquid due to heat.

  • The snow melts quickly in the spring sun

Examples of usage

  • Her kind words melted his heart.
  • The puppy's cute face melted her anger away.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Melting occurs when a solid's temperature rises above its melting point, where usually the particles start moving faster.
  • The process of melting is crucial for many everyday activities, such as making ice cream or cooking food.
  • Different substances have different melting points; for instance, chocolate melts at a lower temperature than most metals.

Environment

  • In nature, melting ice caps and glaciers are indicators of climate change, affecting sea levels worldwide.
  • Certain ecosystems rely on melting snow for freshwater in spring, as it provides essential water for plants and animals.
  • Permafrost melting in polar regions can release trapped carbon, contributing to further climate change.

Art and Culture

  • Artists have used the concept of melting in sculptures to communicate themes of change and impermanence.
  • In literature, melting can symbolize transformation, like characters going through emotional changes.
  • The term 'melting pot' describes a society where various cultures blend, reflecting integration and change.

Everyday Life

  • Making a hot drink, like hot chocolate, involves melting chocolate or marshmallows for a delicious treat.
  • The idea of 'melting' can also be used in everyday language, such as 'her heart melted' to describe emotional warmth.
  • When cooking, melting butter is often a crucial step in recipes, adding flavor and helping ingredients blend.

Origin of 'melts'

The word 'melts' originated from the Middle English word 'melten', which in turn came from Old English 'meltan'. The Old English word has Germanic origins, related to the Dutch 'smelten' and the German 'schmelzen'. The concept of melting has been crucial to human civilization, enabling the shaping of metal tools, the crafting of ceramics, and the creation of glass. Over time, the word 'melts' has expanded beyond the physical transformation of solids to liquids, encompassing emotional expressions and reactions.


See also: melt, meltable, meltdown, melted, melting, molten, unmeltable.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,944, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.