ENGLISH
REFERENCE

melting

n. · adj.
US //ˈmɛɫtɪŋ// UK //mˈɛltɪŋ// melt·ing
  1. 1 turning from solid to liquid (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Science

    the process of a solid, like ice or metal, becoming a liquid because it gets hot.

    the physical process of a substance undergoing a phase transition from solid to liquid by reaching its melting point.

    Example

    The rapid melting of the ice caps is a major concern for scientists.

    Example

    The industrial furnace reached temperatures high enough to ensure the complete melting of the scrap metal within an hour.
    • liquefaction
    • thawing
  2. 2 becoming liquid (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    describes something that is currently turning into a liquid.

    undergoing the process of liquefaction or dissolution due to heat.

    Example

    She tried to catch the melting ice cream before it dripped on her shirt.

    Example

    The hikers struggled to cross the melting snow bridge as the afternoon sun weakened the structure.
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  1. 3 emotional or tender (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

    showing or causing very strong, soft feelings like love or pity.

    characterised by or evoking a softening of the heart; tender, emotional, or deeply moving.

    Example

    He gave her a melting look that showed how much he missed her.

    Example

    The soprano delivered the final aria with such melting beauty that many in the audience were moved to tears.

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