antifreeze

noun

an·​ti·​freeze ˈan-ti-ˌfrēz How to pronounce antifreeze (audio)
1
: a substance added to a liquid (such as the water in an automobile engine) to lower its freezing point
2
: any of various substances (such as proteins or alcohols) that are found in some living organisms (such as certain fish and insects) and serve to lower the freezing point of body fluids especially by limiting ice crystal growth

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Household hazardous waste includes batteries, fluorescent bulbs, electronics, paints and solvents, cleaners, chemicals, used motor oil, antifreeze, medical sharps (syringes), pool and garden products, and propane. Laura Groch, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2022 Martha has poisoned our ragtag group of heroes with antifreeze. Erik Kain, Forbes, 18 Apr. 2023 The train broke in two in Minnesota, dumping 20,000 gallons of ethylene glycol, commonly used in antifreeze, into a tributary of the Mississippi River. Dan Schwartz, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2023 The sugar content increases and acts as a natural antifreeze. Cathy Whims / Photographs By Aubrie Pick For The Wall Street Journal, Food Styling By Amanda Anselmino, Prop Styling By Anna Raben , WSJ, 30 Mar. 2023 Condors have also died after flying into power lines and consuming human products, like antifreeze. Washington Post, 5 Nov. 2021 Brittain's family has said the teenager was unarmed and was holding a jug of antifreeze. Andrew Demillo, ajc, 6 July 2021 Family members have said Brittain was unarmed at the time of shooting and was holding a jug of antifreeze. Andrew Demillo, Star Tribune, 1 July 2021 Made with premium glass and non-toxic antifreeze liquid, these ice globes are safe to store in the freezer. Natalie Alcala, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'antifreeze.' 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

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of antifreeze was in 1903

Dictionary Entries Near antifreeze

Cite this Entry

“Antifreeze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antifreeze. Accessed 29 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

antifreeze

noun
an·​ti·​freeze ˈant-i-ˌfrēz How to pronounce antifreeze (audio)
: a substance added to a liquid (as the water in an automobile radiator) to prevent freezing

More from Merriam-Webster on antifreeze

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