thaw

Meanings

Plural: thaws

Noun

• the process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid
  • "the thawing of a frozen turkey takes several hours"
• warm weather following a freeze; snow and ice melt
  • "they welcomed the spring thaw"
• a relaxation or slackening of tensions or reserve; becoming less hostile
  • "the thaw between the United States and Russia has led to increased cooperation in world affairs"
• The melting of ice, snow, or other frozen or congealed matter; the transformation of ice or the like into the state of a fluid; liquefaction by heat of anything congealed by frost
• a period of weather warm enough to melt that which is frozen
• A period of relaxation, of reduced reserve, tension, or hostility or of increased friendliness or understanding.

Verb

• become or cause to become soft or liquid
  • "the ice thawed"
  • "dethaw the meat"
• To gradually melt, dissolve, or become fluid; to soften from frozen.
• To become sufficiently warm to melt ice and snow, said in reference to the weather.
• To grow gentle or genial.
• To gradually cause frozen things (such as earth, snow, ice) to melt, soften, or dissolve.

Synonyms

dethaw, dissolve, melt, melting, thawing, unfreeze, unthaw, warming

Related Words

snowmelt