water ice

American  

noun

1. ice formed by direct freezing of fresh or salt water, and not by compacting of snow.

2. a frozen dessert, similar to sherbet, made of water, sweetener, and fruit syrup or other flavorings.

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water ice British  

noun

1. an ice cream made from a frozen sugar syrup flavoured with fruit juice or purée; sorbet

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Usage

What does water ice mean? Water ice is a frozen dessert, very similar to Italian ice, made in Philadelphia. How is water ice pronounced?[ waw-ter ahys ]

Etymology

Origin of water ice

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

The stated goal of Artemis is to develop a permanent presence near the lunar south pole, which is believed to be abundant in resources such as water ice in shadowed craters.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2026

A 2022 study by the same team had shown that amino acids preserved in a mixture of 10% water ice and 90% Martian soil were destroyed more quickly than samples containing only sediment.

From Science Daily • Feb. 25, 2026

Erica Luzzi, a planetary geologist and postdoctoral researcher with the Mississippi Mineral Resources Institute, led a study that uncovered signs of water ice located just below the Martian surface.

From Science Daily • Dec. 27, 2025

The university said the pits may be connected to underground cave networks that could provide natural shelter from harmful radiation and micrometeorite impacts, as well as harbour water ice.

From BBC • Oct. 8, 2025

It did not occur to Palmer that he had not eaten all day until a crewcut little kid with a cup of grape water ice stood beside him.

From "Wringer" by Jerry Spinelli