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.
However, the new study found that although the bonds vanish at the melting point, they unexpectedly return when the liquid is heated to even higher temperatures.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 9, 2026
As soon as the temperature reaches the melting point, the rigid structure of ice collapses into liquid water.
From Science Daily ● Jan. 26, 2026
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
If you've mashed your way through a vegan burger that started off juicy, but then turned to sawdust, the melting point may be the culprit.
From BBC ● Jan. 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.
