thaw

(noun, verb)

noun

1. the process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid

- the thawing of a frozen turkey takes several hours

Similar word(s): melt, melting, thawing

Definition categories: process, heating, warming

2. warm weather following a freeze; snow and ice melt

- they welcomed the spring thaw

Similar word(s): thawing, warming

Definition categories: phenomenon, conditions, weather

3. 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

Definition categories: event, loosening, relaxation, slackening

verb

1. become or cause to become soft or liquid

- the ice thawed

- dethaw the meat

Similar word(s): dethaw, dissolve, melt, unfreeze, unthaw

Definition categories: change, flux, liquefy, liquify