melting

UK: ˈmɛltɪŋ | US: ˈmɛltɪŋ

Definition

  1. adj. becoming liquid through heat

  2. n. the process of becoming liquid

  3. v. present participle of "melt" (to change from solid to liquid)

Structure
melt <to dissolve from heat>ing <present participle suffix>
Etymology

The word "melting" derives from the Old English "meltan," meaning "to dissolve or become liquid," which traces back to Proto-Germanic *meltaną. The suffix "-ing" is a productive English suffix used to form present participles or gerunds. The combination reflects the ongoing action of transitioning from solid to liquid, a concept central to both literal (e.g., ice) and metaphorical (e.g., emotions) uses.

Examples

  1. The melting ice created small streams in the valley.

  2. Her heart was melting at the sight of the puppy.

  3. The artist used melting wax to create the sculpture.

  4. Climate change accelerates the melting of polar ice caps.

  5. The chocolate started melting in the summer heat.