Ice

Definition

Ice is a noun, verb, and occasionally used as an adjective. As a noun, it refers to frozen water, typically in solid form due to temperatures below 0°C (32°F). As a verb, it means to cover or decorate something with ice or to freeze. It can also refer to glazing a surface with a layer of ice or cooling items. As an adjective, it describes something made of or related to ice.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /aɪs/
• Respelling: AYS

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /aɪs/
• Respelling: AYS

Etymology

The word "ice" originates from Old English "īs," derived from Proto-Germanic "*īsą" and Proto-Indo-European "*h₁eyH-," meaning "ice" or "frozen water." It has retained its meaning in Germanic and many modern languages, denoting the solid state of water.

Derivatives

• Icy (adjective)
• Iceberg (noun)
• Icecap (noun)
• Icehouse (noun)
• Icebreaker (noun)

Synonyms

• Frost
• Glacier
• Snow

Antonyms

• Water
• Steam
• Heat

Usage

The term "ice" is widely used in physical and metaphorical contexts. For example, "The pond was covered in a thick layer of ice," or "She tried to break the ice with a joke."

Related Terms

• Frost: A thin layer of ice crystals that forms on surfaces.
• Snow: Precipitation in the form of ice crystals.
• Freezing: The process by which water becomes solid.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• Frozen water: Refers to the solid state of water when temperatures fall below freezing.
  • Example: "The lake was covered with thick ice."
• A slippery or hazardous surface caused by frozen water: Describes conditions that arise from ice.
  • Example: "The road was dangerous due to black ice."

Verb

• To cover or decorate with ice: Used in the context of icing cakes or cooling items.
  • Example: "She iced the cake with vanilla frosting."
• To freeze or cool something: Refers to the act of lowering temperature to create or preserve ice.
  • Example: "The drinks were iced to keep them cold."

Adjective

• Made of or resembling ice: Describes objects or features that are icy or cold.
  • Example: "The climbers reached the ice wall at dawn."