ultracold

adjective

ul·​tra·​cold ˌəl-trə-ˈkōld How to pronounce ultracold (audio)
: having a very low temperature : extremely or extraordinarily cold
ultracold liquid nitrogen
ultracold temperatures

Examples of ultracold in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Instead of looking to the sky, researchers are peering into clouds of ultracold atoms created in laboratories here on Earth. Matthew Smith, Ars Technica, 8 July 2023 These ultracold atom clouds are actually closer to being a unitary gas than neutron star matter, so the analogy isn’t perfect. Matthew Smith, Ars Technica, 8 July 2023 Maintaining the propellants at steady, ultracold temperatures inside the depot will be a challenge. Kenneth Chang, New York Times, 18 Nov. 2023 Most require ultracold temperatures, and recent advances toward superconductors that function at higher temperatures require crushing pressures. Kenneth Chang, New York Times, 7 Nov. 2023 As a veteran vaccinator, Runyon is often called upon to transport the bulky, ultracold cooler that contains the precious doses to community vaccination clinics. Chris Serres, Star Tribune, 23 Apr. 2021 The National Institute of Standards and Technology keeps time with cesium fountain clocks, using lasers, vacuum chambers, clouds of ultracold atoms to nail the natural resonance frequency of the cesium—the basis for the standard second (9,192,631,770 Hz). WIRED, 27 Sep. 2023 Some vaccines must be stored at ultracold temperatures, so expanding the list of vaccine distributors could mean some doses go to waste if providers can’t use them quickly enough. Stephanie Armour, WSJ, 30 Apr. 2021 Most superconductors have to be chilled to ultracold temperatures, which limits their practical use. Kenneth Chang, New York Times, 26 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ultracold.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ultracold was in 1861

Dictionary Entries Near ultracold

Cite this Entry

“Ultracold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultracold. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on ultracold

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!