antifreeze

[ an-ti-freez, an-tee- ]

/ ˈæn tɪˌfriz, ˈæn ti- /

noun

a liquid used in the radiator of an internal-combustion engine to lower the freezing point of the cooling medium.

Nearby words

antifoggant, antifogger, antiforeignism, antifouling, antifouling paint, antifreeze, antifriction, antifriction alloy, antifriction bearing, antifriction metal, antifungal

Origin of antifreeze

First recorded in 1910–15; anti- + freeze

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for antifreeze

The cinnamon-flavored swill has been recalled in Europe over a chemical found in antifreeze.
Europeans Recall Fireball Whiskey Over a Sweetener Also Used in Antifreeze|Tim Mak|October 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Here I was thinking I was cheating death when I was more likely inhaling Chinese-made antifreeze.
My (Electronic) Cigarette Addiction|Eli Lake|January 31, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Propylene glycol as a liquid, he told me, is “similar to antifreeze.”
My (Electronic) Cigarette Addiction|Eli Lake|January 31, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Propylene glycol, on the other hand, is used to reduce the toxicity of antifreeze.
My (Electronic) Cigarette Addiction|Eli Lake|January 31, 2013|DAILY BEAST

That said, propylene glycol is different from the antifreeze used in cars, which is considered more toxic and not safe.
My (Electronic) Cigarette Addiction|Eli Lake|January 31, 2013|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for antifreeze

antifreeze

/ (ˈæntɪˌfriːz) /

noun

a liquid, usually ethylene glycol (ethanediol), added to cooling water to lower its freezing point, esp for use in an internal-combustion engine

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for antifreeze

antifreeze

also anti-freeze; 1913 (adj.), 1935 as a noun; from anti- + freeze.