cryogenic

adjective

cryo·​gen·​ic ˌkrī-ə-ˈje-nik 

1

a

: of or relating to the production of very low temperatures

b

: being or relating to very low temperatures

2

a

: requiring or involving the use of a cryogenic temperature

b

: requiring cryogenic storage

c

: suitable for storage of a cryogenic substance

cryogenically

ˌkrī-ə-ˈje-ni-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of cryogenic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is an issue where cryogenic propellants sublimate due to minor, constant temperature fluctuations. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025

The temperature, however, felt a little too cryogenic, perhaps as revenge for the sweltering summer Italy was enduring. —Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025

Engines fueled by cryogenic liquids such as oxygen and hydrogen have negligible effects on ozone, yet their complexity keeps them rare – used in only about 6% of launches today. —New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2025

No one was hurt in the incident, which occurred as the Starship spacecraft was standing alone on the test stand being filled with cryogenic propellants for an engine test-firing before being mounted on top of the rocket booster. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

cryo- + -genic

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Medical Definition

cryogenic

adjective

cryo·​gen·​ic ˌkrī-ə-ˈjen-ik 

1

a

: of or relating to the production of very low temperatures

b

: being or relating to very low temperatures

2

: requiring or involving the use of a cryogenic temperature

cryogenic surgery

cryogenic arterial thrombolysis

cryogenically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb