melting point

American  

noun

Physical Chemistry.

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

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melting point British  

noun

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

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melting point Scientific  

/ 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

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melting point Cultural  

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.)

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Discover More

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

Etymology

Origin of melting point

First recorded in 1835–45

Compare meaning

How does melting-point compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• melting point vs. boiling point

Example Sentences

In their research, the authors dissolved high melting point nickel and tin in a gallium based liquid metal with a melting point of only 30 degrees centigrade.

From Science Daily • Nov. 9, 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

The mainstay has been coconut oil but, compared to animal fat, this has a lower melting point, or the point at which fat turns from solid to liquid.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2023

A similar story played out on the planet’s other side, with ice around the North Pole nearing or reaching its melting point at a time once considered unthinkably early.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 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