Thawing: meaning, definitions and examples

Thawing is essentially the same as 'thawing' (first entry), describing the process of becoming unfrozen.

• The car's engine started working again after thawing out.

Melting is used when referring to solid substances turning into liquid as a result of heat. It can apply to various materials, such as ice, metal, or wax.

• The ice cream is melting in the sun.
• The heat from the fire caused the metal to start melting.

Thaw is often used to describe both the process of warming something frozen and the time period when this happens. This word can be used in both culinary and meteorological contexts.

• Leave the turkey to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• The early spring thaw caused rivers to overflow.

This word is repeated and its usage is identical to the previously mentioned 'thawing'.

• The vegetables are thawing on the kitchen counter.

Use this word when referring to the process of a solid substance becoming liquid through heat. It can also be used metaphorically to describe softening of feelings or emotions.

• The sun will melt the snow by midday.
• Her heart began to melt when she saw the puppy.

This is primarily used in the context of removing ice or frost, particularly in appliances like refrigerators or freezers. It's also commonly used for food that needs to be unfrozen before cooking.

• I need to defrost the chicken before I can cook dinner.
• It's time to defrost the freezer; ice is building up.