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subfreezing

subfreezing

1 3.9
Colder than the temperature where water turns to ice
  • adjective
  • /sʌbˈfriːzɪŋ/
translation icon : subcongelante
  • In keeping with the national effort to save energy, the heating and outdoor lighting at night are minimal, even in subfreezing temperatures.
  • subfreezing temperatures
  • subfreezing weather
  • subfreezing temps

Examples

  • The forecast predicts subfreezing temperatures, so make sure to dress warmly.

  • Many animals hibernate during subfreezing periods to conserve energy and survive the winter.

  • The pipes froze due to subfreezing temperatures overnight, causing significant damage.

Synonyms

icy
vssubfreezing
89 1.0

Very cold with surfaces covered in ice

refers to temperatures below water's ice point, not surface condition
ice-cold
vssubfreezing
34 1.0

Very cold, like frozen water

describes literal temperatures below water's ice point rather than just sensation
frigid
vssubfreezing
30 4.1

Very cold, like ice or freezing air

is a precise term for temperatures below water's ice point rather than general cold
freezing cold
vssubfreezing
15 1.3

Very cold, at or below freezing

is used for temperatures lower than water's ice point without emotional tone
subzero
vssubfreezing
3.9

Colder than zero degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit

is the scientific term for temperatures below water's ice point
freezing
vssubfreezing
1.0

So cold that water turns to ice

is about any temperature lower than water's ice point

How Cold

arctic
14 4.5
frigid
30 4.1
subfreezing
1 3.9
cold
1.0
cool
608 1.0

Surface Forms

subfreezing positive

Morphology

subfreezing = freezing (transparent) = sub + freeze + ing

Formed by the productive prefix 'sub-' meaning 'below' plus 'freezing', yielding the straightforward meaning 'below freezing'.

Etymology

Subfreezing breaks into sub- meaning 'under', like in subway, and freezing meaning 'turning to ice'. So subfreezing describes temperatures 'below' the point where water freezes.