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What is the difference between defrost and thaw?

defrost | thaw |

In transitive terms the difference between defrost and thaw

is that defrost is to thaw something while thaw is to cause frozen things (such as earth, snow, ice) to melt, soften, or dissolve. Specifically by gradual warming.

As a noun thaw is

the melting of ice, snow, or other congealed matter; the resolution of ice, or the like, into the state of a fluid; liquefaction by heat of anything congealed by frost.

defrost

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • To remove frost from.
  • I have just defrosted the fridge.
  • To thaw something.
  • Will you defrost the chops for supper tonight?
  • (informal) To recover from something tiresome.
  • See you tomorrow evening; I'll have defrosted from my trip by then.

    Derived terms

    * autodefrost

    Anagrams

    *

    thaw

    English

    Alternative forms

    * (l)

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To melt, dissolve, or become fluid; to soften; — said of that which is frozen; as, the ice thaws. Specifically by gradual warming
  • To become so warm as to melt ice and snow; — said in reference to the weather, and used impersonally.
  • (figuratively) To grow gentle or genial.
  • To cause frozen things (such as earth, snow, ice) to melt, soften, or dissolve. Specifically by gradual warming.
  • Noun

    (en noun)
  • The melting of ice, snow, or other congealed matter; the resolution of ice, or the like, into the state of a fluid; liquefaction by heat of anything congealed by frost
  • a warmth of weather sufficient to melt that which is congealed. —.
  • See also

    * unthaw, dethaw

    Anagrams

    * * * English ergative verbs