freezing point
Americannoun
noun
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The temperature at which a liquid, releasing sufficient heat, becomes a solid. For a given substance, the freezing point of its liquid form is the same as the melting point of its solid form, and depends on such factors as the purity of the substance and the surrounding pressure. The freezing point of water at a pressure of one atmosphere is 0°C (32°F); that of liquid nitrogen is −209.89°C (−345.8°F).
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See also state of matter
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Water freezes at thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit (see also Fahrenheit) or zero degrees Celsius.
Etymology
Origin of freezing point
First recorded in 1740–50
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A small increase in temperature, a higher freezing point or shift from snowfall to rainfall can determine whether a glacier survives at all, she adds.
From BBC ● Sep. 25, 2026
Jet A has a higher freezing point -- which makes it less resistant to very low temperatures during long-haul flights.
From Barron's ● May 7, 2026
It uses Jet A, which has a higher freezing point than the Jet A1 supplied here.
From BBC ● May 3, 2026
Sugar has the physical function in slushies of decreasing the freezing point of water.
From Salon ● Feb. 28, 2024
It is the lowest temperature possible, a little more than 273 degrees Celsius below the freezing point of water.
From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife
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