supercool

[ soo-per-kool ]

verb (used with object)

1. to cool (a liquid) below its freezing point without producing solidification or crystallization; undercool.

verb (used without object)

1. to become supercooled.

adjective

1. very cool in temperature, especially of the maximum coolness possible: used as a setting on air conditioners.
2. Slang. very cool; very sophisticated, up-to-date, unemotional, etc.

supercool

/ ˌsuːpəˈkuːl /

verb

1. chem to cool or be cooled without freezing or crystallization to a temperature below that at which freezing or crystallization should occur. Supercooled liquids are not in equilibrium

supercool

/ so̅o̅′pər-ko̅o̅l′ /

1. To cool a substance below a phase-transition temperature without the transition occurring. For example, water can be cooled well below the freezing point without freezing (as often happens in the upper atmosphere); the introduction of an impurity or surface can then trigger freezing. Supercooling is an example of hysteresis.
2. Compare superheat

Word History and Origins

Origin of supercool¹

First recorded in 1905–10; super- + cool

Example Sentences

Their home embraces all their multihued passions: entertaining, color, art, more color — and a supercool Serie UP 2000 chair, a metaphorical, womblike classic by Gaetano Pesce in strikingly stripey orange and tan, which pretty much set the tone for wide open Expression.

From Seattle Times

Critique: “As many PNW-ers can attest, it’s hard to beat golden hour on the Oregon Coast, and you’ve illustrated that excellently here. The backlit breakers crashing into their own shadows as they approach the beach are mesmerizing. I like the vertical crop, too, which reminds us that the ocean and the continent both go their separate ways. Supercool perspective here. Thanks for thinking of Reader’s Lens!”

From Seattle Times

On the other side of the country, Boris Rubinsky had the idea that higher pressures might help him supercool organs without damage.

From Science Magazine

Maybe, I’m a supercool couch slalom master from a land far, far away.

From New York Times

I told Darren’s dad that I thought the bug Darren brought in for Science Friday was supercool, and he laughed and said that if I liked that one, I should come over someday after school with Darren and see his whole collection.

From Literature