melting point

noun

, Physical Chemistry.

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

melting point

noun

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

melting point

/ 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

melting point

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 .)

Notes

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of melting point¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

“The air coming in is hotter than the melting point of the metal underneath – which is obviously not a good thing,” he explains, pointing out that this air reaches temperatures well above 1,000C.

From BBC

"We believe our method will generalize to other materials, such as tin, selenium, tellurium and related alloys with low melting points, and it could be interesting to explore for future flexible electronic circuits."

From Science Daily

His research, published in the Physical Review E, unveils a general theory for predicting melting points, a fundamental property whose understanding has baffled scientists for over a century.

From Science Daily

Some consist of only one type of plastic, while others may contain several types that may even have different melting points.

From Science Daily

Earlier this year, researchers at Pennsylvania State University filed a patent application for a new type of glass that — because of its lower melting point — can be produced with 30% less energy, lowering emissions significantly.

From Salon