antifreeze

American  

[an-ti-freez, an-tee-] / ˈæn tɪˌfriz, ˈæn ti- /

noun

1. a liquid used in the radiator of an internal-combustion engine to lower the freezing point of the cooling medium.

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antifreeze British  

/ ˈæntɪˌfriːz /

noun

1. a liquid, usually ethylene glycol (ethanediol), added to cooling water to lower its freezing point, esp for use in an internal-combustion engine

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Etymology

Origin of antifreeze

First recorded in 1910–15; anti- + freeze

Example Sentences

Next, the researchers plan to explore in greater detail how snow flies generate heat at the cellular level and to identify the full range of antifreeze proteins they produce.

From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026

Producers are expected to add antifreeze into the gas stream, for instance.

From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026

Cryonics is where the whole body is cooled down to sub-zero temperatures, infused with cryoprotectants - which is similar to antifreeze - to prevent ice crystal formation, then preserved in liquid nitrogen.

From BBC • Nov. 18, 2025

The colorless gas is also used to make chemicals found in products such as antifreeze, detergents, plastics and adhesives.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2025

The Torgerson brothers sold out their supply of tire chains by three o’clock, as well as most of their ice scrapers and antifreeze.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson