Thaw: meaning, definitions and examples
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thaw
[θɔː ]
Definitions
weather
To become liquid or soft as a result of warming up after being frozen.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| thaw |
Use 'thaw' when referring to the process of warming something frozen, especially food, to bring it back to a normal temperature. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something becoming friendlier or more open.
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| melt |
Use 'melt' when describing the process of turning something solid into liquid using heat, especially substances like ice, butter, or chocolate. It can also be used metaphorically to describe softening of emotions or attitudes.
|
| defrost |
Employ 'defrost' when talking about removing ice or frost from something, usually referring to appliances like a freezer or car windshield. This word is commonly used in a technical or household context.
|
| unfreeze |
Apply 'unfreeze' when talking about making something liquid again after it has been frozen. It has a more technical or mechanical implication than 'thaw'.
|
Examples of usage
- The snow and ice began to thaw as the temperature rose above freezing.
- After a few hours in the sun, the frozen meat thawed and was ready to cook.
process
The process of becoming liquid or soft as a result of warming up after being frozen.
Synonyms
defrosting, melting, unfreezing.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| thaw |
This term is ideal for describing the process of frozen food or substances turning back to their liquid state. It's commonly used in everyday conversation. Can also be used figuratively for things starting to get better in a cold or unfriendly context, like relationships.
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| melting |
Melting is appropriate for describing the process of solids turning into liquid due to heat, like ice or metal. It is often used in both literal and figurative senses.
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| defrosting |
This word is mainly used when talking about removing ice or frost from something, typically appliances like refrigerators or freezers. It is also often used when talking about preparing frozen food for cooking.
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| unfreezing |
Use this term when implying the stopping of a state of being frozen. It could apply to objects, but is less common and can sound technical or less natural in daily speech.
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Examples of usage
- The thaw of the ice on the roads made driving conditions much better.
- We can expect a thaw in the frozen river as the weather gets warmer.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'thaw' comes from Old English 'þawian', which means to melt or become liquid.
- It has roots in the Proto-Germanic 'ðawōnan', showing its connection to other Germanic languages.
- Historically, the term was more commonly used in relation to animal hibernation and seasonal changes.
Science
- Thawing is a vital process in climate science, particularly in the study of glaciers and polar ice caps.
- When permafrost thaws, it can release greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.
- The process of thawing impacts local ecosystems, affecting plant growth and animal habitats.
Weather and Seasonal Changes
- Thawing usually occurs in spring as warmer temperatures return, causing snow to melt and rivers to flow.
- Some regions experience a 'thaw freeze cycle' where ice and snow repeatedly thaw and refreeze, affecting road conditions.
- In agriculture, the thaw signals the planting season, as farmers prepare for crops once the ground warms.
Cultural References
- Thawing is often a theme in literature and film, representing change, rebirth, or the end of a cold period in life.
- In folklore, a 'thaw' can symbolize the return of warmth and friendship after a long dispute, akin to the thawing of winter.
Food Science
- In cooking, proper thawing techniques are important to prevent foodborne illness from bacteria growing in thawed food.
- The microwave is commonly used for quick thawing, but natural thawing in the fridge preserves taste and texture better.
- Certain foods, like fruits, can lose their texture if thawed too quickly or improperly due to cell damage in freezing.
Translations
Translations of the word "thaw" in other languages:
🇵🇹 descongelar
🇮🇳 पिघलना
🇩🇪 auftauen
🇮🇩 mencair
🇺🇦 розморожувати
🇵🇱 rozmrażać
🇯🇵 解凍する (かいとうする)
🇫🇷 dégeler
🇪🇸 descongelar
🇹🇷 çözülmek
🇰🇷 해동하다 (haedonghada)
🇸🇦 ذاب
🇨🇿 rozmrazit
🇸🇰 rozmraziť
🇨🇳 解冻 (jiědòng)
🇸🇮 odmrzovanje
🇮🇸 afþýða
🇰🇿 еру
🇬🇪 გალღობა
🇦🇿 ərimək
🇲🇽 descongelar