melt

Definition

To change (or to be changed) from a solid state to a liquid state, usually by a gradual heat.

Etymology

From Middle English melten, from a merger of Old English meltan (intransitive) and mieltan (transitive), both meaning “to melt, digest,” from Proto-West Germanic *meltan and *maltijan, from Proto-Germanic *meltaną and *maltijaną, both from Proto-Indo-European *(s)meld- (“melt”). Cognate with Icelandic melta (“to digest”).

Example Sentences

• "I melted butter to make a cake."
• "When the weather is warm, the snowman will disappear; he will melt."
• "His troubles melted away."

Related Words