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Thawed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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thawed

[θɔd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

cooking process

Thawed refers to the process of warming something, especially food, that has been frozen, making it soft and ready for use. Typically involves heat or natural temperature changes to remove ice or cold.

Synonyms

defrosted, softened, unfrozen.

Examples of usage

  • I thawed the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Before cooking, make sure to thaw the vegetables properly.
  • The ice cream was frozen hard but thawed quickly at room temperature.
Context #2 | Verb

climate change

In a broader context, thawed can describe the melting of ice or snow, usually due to rising temperatures. This is particularly relevant in discussions about global warming.

Synonyms

dissolved, liquefied, melted.

Examples of usage

  • The glaciers have thawed significantly over the last few decades.
  • Researchers observed that permafrost is thawed at an alarming rate.
  • As spring arrives, the snow gradually thawed from the mountains.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Climate Science

  • Thawing is a critical process in climate change studies, especially concerning permafrost in polar regions.
  • When frozen ground thaws, it can release stored carbon dioxide and methane, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
  • The timing and speed of thawing can significantly affect local ecosystems and weather patterns.

Food Safety

  • Proper thawing of food is essential to prevent bacterial growth, which can cause foodborne illnesses.
  • The safest methods for thawing include refrigeration, cold water, or cooking directly without defrosting.
  • Many people prepare meals in advance and then need to thaw the food correctly for safe consumption.

Literature

  • In poetry, thawing often symbolizes renewal or the end of harsh conditions, offering new beginnings.
  • Characters in literature might experience 'thawing' moments, indicating emotional growth or release of past traumas.
  • Notable authors use the metaphor of thawing to express transformation, connecting winter's end with hope.

Art

  • Artists often depict the process of thawing as a way to represent change, fragility, and the passing of time.
  • In visual artworks, melting ice or snow can symbolize transition from isolation to community.
  • The visual effects of thawing create stunning contrasts in nature, inspiring many landscape painters.

Origin of 'thawed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'thaw' comes from Old English 'þawian,' which means to melt or become warm.
  • Historically, it has been used since at least the 15th century to describe the melting of frost or snow.
  • The term reflects a transformation, indicating a shift from solid to liquid states.

The word 'thaw' originates from the Old English 'þawian', which means 'to become liquid or to melt'. This can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic *þawwō, also referring to the process of becoming warm or melting. The earliest known use of the word dates back to around the 12th century, typically used in relation to weather, as in the thawing of ice or snow due to higher temperatures. As the word evolved, it began to encompass the broader context of warming food items that were previously frozen. Thawed has since become a common term in both culinary contexts and environmental discussions concerning climate change, where it refers to natural processes of ice and snow melting.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,100, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.