Supercold: meaning, definitions and examples

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supercold

 

[ ˈsuːpərˌkoʊld ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

extremely cold

Supercold refers to temperatures that are significantly below the normal freezing point of water, often used in scientific contexts or to describe severe winter weather conditions. It can also refer to a state of a material that is colder than its usual freezing point without solidifying.

Synonyms

bitterly cold, extremely cold, frigid.

Examples of usage

  • The supercold air from the Arctic has reached our town.
  • Supercold liquids can exist at temperatures much lower than their freezing point.
  • He felt a supercold gust of wind as he stepped outside.

Etymology

The term 'supercold' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'super-', meaning above or beyond, and the word 'cold', which refers to a low temperature. The prefix 'super-' originates from Latin 'super', meaning 'above' or 'beyond.' In scientific contexts, 'supercold' has been used particularly in physics and material science to describe states of matter that exist at extremely low temperatures, often approaching absolute zero. The concept has gained relevance in discussions surrounding cryogenics and the behavior of substances at temperatures that defy normal expectations. Over time, the usage of the term has evolved to encompass both scientific and colloquial applications, emphasizing not only the extreme temperatures but also their effects on weather and climate.