Definition Definition

thaw - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'thaw' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Thaw [ n.]
- The melting of ice, snow, or other congealed matter; the resolution of ice, or the like, into the state of a fluid; liquefaction by heat of anything congealed by frost; also, a warmth of weather sufficient to melt that which is congealed.
2 . Thaw [ v. i.]
- To melt, dissolve, or become fluid; to soften; -- said of that which is frozen; as, the ice thaws.
- To become so warm as to melt ice and snow; -- said in reference to the weather, and used impersonally.
- Fig.: To grow gentle or genial.
3 . Thaw [ v. t.]
- To cause (frozen things, as earth, snow, ice) to melt, soften, or dissolve.

Meaning of 'thaw' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . thaw [ n]
Meaning (1):
- the process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid
Example in sentence:
  • the power failure caused a refrigerator melt that was a disaster;
  • the thawing of a frozen turkey takes several hours
Meaning (2):
- a relaxation or slackening of tensions or reserve; becoming less hostile
Example in sentence:
  • the thaw between the United States and Russia has led to increased cooperation in world affairs
Meaning (3):
- warm weather following a freeze; snow and ice melt
Example in sentence:
  • they welcomed the spring thaw
4 . thaw [ v]
Meaning (4):
- become or cause to become soft or liquid
Example in sentence:
  • dethaw the meat;
  • The giant iceberg dissolved over the years during the global warming phase;
  • The heat melted the wax;
  • the ice cream melted;
  • the ice thawed;
  • The sun melted the ice