freezing

freez-ing · adjective/noun/verb

imported

Definitions

adjective/noun/verb

  1. 1.

    Extremely cold; at or below the temperature at which water turns to ice.

  2. 2.

    The process of becoming frozen or the state of being frozen.

  3. 3.

    In the process of turning into ice or becoming very cold.

  4. 4.

    (informal) Feeling very cold.

  5. 5.

    The temperature at which a liquid becomes solid (freezing point).

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    freezing point — the temperature at which a liquid becomes solid (0°C/32°F for water)
  • •
    freezing cold — extremely cold
  • •
    below freezing — below 0°C or 32°F
  • •
    freezing rain — rain that freezes on contact with cold surfaces

Related words

Antonyms: boiling, hot, sweltering, warm
See also: cold, freeze, freezer, frozen
Synonyms: arctic, bitter, frigid, icy

Etymology

Present participle of freeze, from Old English freosan. Used as an adjective since Middle English.