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subzero

subzero

5 3.9
Colder than zero degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit
  • adjective
  • /sʌbˈziroʊ/
: subcero
  • In the Yellowstone area, shafts appeared mainly in January and February, especially after clear nights with very cold, subzero temperatures.

Examples

  • The weather forecast predicts subzero temperatures tonight, so make sure to bundle up.

  • During the winter, you can expect subzero wind chill that makes it feel even colder outside.

  • Animals living in the Arctic have adapted to survive in subzero conditions all year round.

Synonyms

cold
vssubzero
∞ 1.0

Having a low temperature that feels chilly

describes temperatures strictly below zero degrees, not simply somewhat cool
freezing
vssubzero
156 1.0

So cold that water turns to ice

refers specifically to temperatures colder than zero degrees
ice-cold
vssubzero
42 1.0

Very cold, like frozen water

refers specifically to temperatures colder than zero degrees rather than vivid image
frigid
vssubzero
34 4.1

Very cold, like ice or freezing air

means specifically colder than zero degrees rather than just very low temperature
freezing cold
vssubzero
25 1.3

Very cold, at or below freezing

means temperatures colder than zero degrees exactly rather than vague strong sensation
stone-cold
vssubzero
22 4.1

Very cold with no warmth left

refers to temperatures colder than zero degrees rather than total lack of warmth
subfreezing
vssubzero
2 3.9

Colder than the temperature where water turns to ice

is stricter, meaning temperatures colder than zero degrees exactly

Antonyms

∞ 1.0

Having a comfortable level of heat, often after recent use

How Cold

arctic
13 4.5
subzero
5 3.9
freezing
156 1.0
cold
∞ 1.0
chilly
112 1.0

Surface Forms

subzero positive

Morphology

subzero = zero (transparent) = sub + zero

Meaning is directly 'below zero' formed by the productive prefix 'sub-' plus the noun 'zero'.

Etymology

Subzero uses the prefix sub- ('under'), the same sub- you see in submarine or subway, and zero ('0'). So it literally means 'under zero' and describes temperatures colder than zero degrees.