melting point

noun

, Physical Chemistry.

1. the temperature at which a solid substance melts or fuses.

melting point

noun

1. the temperature at which a solid turns into a liquid. It is equal to the freezing point

melting point

/ mĕl′tĭng /

1. 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).
2. See also state of matter

melting point

1. The temperature at which a given material changes from a solid to a liquid , or melts; the same temperature as freezing point . ( See phases of matter .)

Notes

Ice melts at thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit (see also Fahrenheit ) or zero degrees Celsius .

Word History and Origins

Origin of melting point¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Milk chocolate has a lower melting point than dark chocolate, and candies with caramel will take longer to melt than those without, so you may want to consider this as you make your selection.

From Outside Online

At plate boundaries in the ocean, subduction moves water into the mantle, lowering the melting point of rock underneath the edges of continental plates.

From Vox

The type of sugar and protein, along with the temperature to which the sugars are heated, are variables that alter the texture, melting point, bounciness and shelf stability of the final candy.

From Washington Post

Oh, and it experiences temperatures up to 471 °C—well above the melting point of lead.

From MIT Technology Review

Idris Elba has, in the eyes of many, reached the melting point.

From The Daily Beast

The melting point behavior of the acid corresponds with that of gallic acid; it melted with decomposition at about 230°.

From Project Gutenberg

The temperature required for the manufacture of the steel was higher than the melting point of most fire-bricks.

From Project Gutenberg

Such lard has a higher melting point and is more flaky than that made from fat covering the muscles.

From Project Gutenberg

Good soft lead is melted in an iron ladle and skimmed; the temperature is allowed to rise very little above the melting-point.

From Project Gutenberg

The melting point of the fatty acids in the oils used to adulterate olive oil differs considerably from this.

From Project Gutenberg