melting point
Americannoun
noun
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The temperature at which a solid, given sufficient heat, becomes a liquid. For a given substance, the melting point of its solid form is the same as the freezing point of its liquid form, and depends on such factors as the purity of the substance and the surrounding pressure. The melting point of ice at a pressure of one atmosphere is 0°C (32°F); that of iron is 1,535°C (2,795°F).
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See also state of matter
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Ice melts at thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit (see also Fahrenheit) or zero degrees Celsius.
Etymology
Origin of melting point
First recorded in 1835–45
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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.
Tungsten has the highest melting point of any element, while graphene, a single-atom-thick sheet of carbon, is known for its exceptional strength and heat resistance.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 7, 2026
“The air coming in is hotter than the melting point of the metal underneath – which is obviously not a good thing,” he explains, pointing out that this air reaches temperatures well above 1,000C.
From BBC ● Nov. 21, 2024
"The one we used for this project has a lower melting point than table salt, low vapor pressure, and is organic."
From Science Daily ● Sep. 28, 2023
Warm enough, in fact, that one might not need to dig very deep to reach ambient temperatures above the melting point of water.
From Scientific American ● Mar. 30, 2023
“It has the same melting point as gold, the same weight and malleability. If it’s not identical to gold in every way, the difference has eluded us. Have it tested if you like.”
From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
