melting point
- noun
- /ˈmɛltɪŋ pɔɪnt/
- Specialized
:
punto de fusión
- The melting point of ice is 0 degrees Celsius.
Examples
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Negotiations reached their melting point before a sudden breakthrough resolved the dispute.
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Scientists recorded the melting point of the new compound during the experiment.
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The melting point of iron is much higher than that of aluminum.
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Water reaches its melting point at 0°C.
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The melting point of ice is 0 degrees Celsius.
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Scientists recorded the melting point of the new compound during the experiment.
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The melting point of iron is much higher than that of aluminum.
How Hot
Surface Forms
Morphology
The primary sense 'the temperature at which a solid becomes liquid' is transparently composed from 'melting' (becoming liquid) + 'point' (a specific temperature/stage), so a B1 learner who knows both words can readily infer the meaning. The metaphorical use ('a critical moment') is a predictable extension of the literal sense and remains reasonably inferable from the constituents and cross-linguistic equivalents (e.g., Spanish 'punto de fusión'), supporting a transparent rating.
Etymology
Melting point: The phrase melting point is also used for a 'critical moment' when a situation suddenly changes. The image is the same: reach the exact point and melting starts, so people use it for the moment when things begin to change quickly.