defrost

[ dih-frawst, -frost ]

verb (used with object)

1. to remove the frost or ice from:

   to defrost a refrigerator; to defrost the windshield of a car.

2. to thaw or partially thaw (frozen food).

verb (used without object)

1. to become free of ice or frost:

   The refrigerator defrosted quickly.

2. to thaw, as frozen food:

   The meat took two hours to defrost.

defrost

/ diːˈfrɒst /

verb

1. to make or become free of frost or ice
2. to thaw, esp through removal from a refrigerator

Word History and Origins

Origin of defrost¹

First recorded in 1890–95; de- + frost

Example Sentences

Staff at Network Rail will also be equipped with specialist kits to defrost frozen points and signals to keep the railway running safely.

From BBC

However, at a staff handover on 25 May, she heard nurses saying they had only just disposed of breast milk which had been defrosted more than 72 hours earlier.

From BBC

Just make sure to defrost your lobster in the fridge overnight before coating it in mayo or slathering it in hot, melted butter.

From Salon

Because shrimp are so small, they don’t need much time to defrost.

From Seattle Times

Of that group, most of the websites were advertising successful thaw rates of 80-95% - a process where eggs are defrosted to be used in fertility treatments.

From BBC

Related Words

• thaw