# melting

/ˈmɛɫtɪŋ/ (US) · /mˈɛltɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/melting
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. turning from solid to liquid

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The rapid melting of the ice caps is a major concern for scientists.
- The industrial furnace reached temperatures high enough to ensure the complete melting of the scrap metal within an hour.

### 2. becoming liquid

adjective · CEFR B1

describes something that is currently turning into a liquid.

For teachers: undergoing the process of liquefaction or dissolution due to heat.

- She tried to catch the melting ice cream before it dripped on her shirt.
- The hikers struggled to cross the melting snow bridge as the afternoon sun weakened the structure.

### 3. emotional or tender

adjective · CEFR C2 · Literary

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

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

- He gave her a melting look that showed how much he missed her.
- The soprano delivered the final aria with such melting beauty that many in the audience were moved to tears.

## Examples

- The melting of the ice took several hours.
- The rapid melting of the winter snow caused the local river to overflow its banks.
- Scientists are closely monitoring the melting of polar ice caps as a primary indicator of rising global temperatures and shifting climate patterns.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.