Unfreezing: meaning, definitions and examples

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unfreezing

[ʌnˈfriːzɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

action

The act of reversing the process of freezing, causing something that was frozen to return to its original state.

Synonyms

defrosting, melting, thawing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unfreezing	Generally used in a broader sense for anything that is being returned to a non-frozen state. Often used in technical or formal contexts. The unfreezing of the company's assets allowed for new investments. Gradual unfreezing of the negotiation terms was observed.
thawing	Typically used for frozen foods and natural processes, indicating a gradual return to a non-frozen state. The fish needs thawing before you can cook it. Spring is arriving and the ice is thawing.
melting	Used when something solid turns into liquid due to heat. Frequently used in everyday contexts, especially referring to snow, ice, or metals. The snow started melting as the temperature increased. The chocolate was melting in her hands.
defrosting	Commonly used in cooking or household contexts, specifically related to removing frost or ice from food or appliances. Place the chicken in the fridge for defrosting overnight. The microwave has a defrosting function for quick meal preparation.

Examples of usage

After hours in the freezer, the meat began unfreezing.
The sun unfreezes the ice on the windshield.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

state

The state of being unfrozen or no longer frozen.

Synonyms

defrost, melt, thaw.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unfreezing	Typically used in scientific, formal, or technical contexts when referring to the process of removing ice or frost. The researchers monitored the unfreezing process of the glacier The unfreezing of the machinery took several hours
thaw	Used to describe the process of ice or snow turning back into water, particularly during a change in weather or when describing frozen food becoming unfrozen. We had to wait for the ground to thaw before planting the seeds Let the meat thaw completely before cooking
melt	Often used for describing solid substances turning into liquid due to heat, not necessarily involving ice. Can also be used in emotional contexts. The sun will melt the snow by afternoon His heart began to melt when he saw the puppy
defrost	Commonly used in everyday situations, especially in cooking, and referring to removing ice from a refrigerator or freezer. I need to defrost the chicken before cooking it Make sure to defrost the freezer once a month

Examples of usage

The unfreezing of the ground allowed the plants to bloom.
We need to speed up the unfreezing process of the pipes.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The prefix 'un-' means to reverse an action, while 'freeze' comes from the Old English 'freosan,' which means to become solid by cold.
The addition of 'ing' allows for the word to describe the action of reversing the freeze process.

Science

The process of unfreezing involves raising the temperature, causing molecules to gain energy and move apart, transitioning from solid to liquid.
In biology, unfreezing is crucial for preserving cells and tissues, commonly used in cryopreservation for medical purposes.

Culinary Arts

In cooking, unfreezing food properly is important to prevent harmful bacteria growth, with methods like thawing in the fridge or under cold water being recommended.
Certain fruits, when frozen and then unthawed, can alter their texture, making them softer and suitable for smoothies but not for fresh salads.

Psychology

The term 'unfreezing' can be used in organizational change theories, where it refers to the process of breaking down the existing status quo before introducing new ideas.
In psychological terms, unfreezing can relate to overcoming emotional barriers, allowing for personal growth and change.

Technology

In computing, unfreezing can refer to a process where a non-responsive application or operating system is restored to functionality.
Virtual machines often use an unfreezing process to revert back to previous states, which is crucial for testing and system restoration.

Translations

Translations of the word "unfreezing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 descongelamento

🇮🇳 डीफ़्रॉस्टिंग

🇩🇪 Auftauen

🇮🇩 pencairan

🇺🇦 розморожування

🇵🇱 rozmrażanie

🇯🇵 解凍 (かいとう)

🇫🇷 décongélation

🇪🇸 descongelación

🇹🇷 buz çözme

🇰🇷 해동 (haedong)

🇸🇦 إذابة الجليد

🇨🇿 rozmrazování

🇸🇰 rozmrazovanie

🇨🇳 解冻 (jiědòng)

🇸🇮 odtajanje

🇮🇸 afþíðing

🇰🇿 еру

🇬🇪 გაფუჭება (gafucheba)

🇦🇿 buzdan çıxarma

🇲🇽 descongelación