First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1melt
verb \ˈmelt\
: to change or to cause (something) to change from a solid to a liquid usually because of heat
: to gradually become less or go away
: to begin to have feelings of love, kindness, sympathy, etc.
Full Definition of MELT
intransitive verb
1
: to become altered from a solid to a liquid state usually by heat
2
a : dissolve, disintegrate <the sugar melted in the coffee> b : to disappear as if by dissolving <her anger melted at his kind words>
3
obsolete : to become subdued or crushed (as by sorrow)
4
: to become mild, tender, or gentle
5
: to lose outline or distinctness : blend
transitive verb
1
: to reduce from a solid to a liquid state usually by heat
2
: to cause to disappear or disperse
3
: to make tender or gentle : soften
— melt·abil·i·ty \ˌmel-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— melt·able \ˈmel-tə-bəl\ adjective
— melt·er noun
See melt defined for English-language learners
See melt defined for kids
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Origin of MELT
Middle English, from Old English meltan; akin to Old Norse melta to digest, Greek meldein to melt — more at mollify
Related to MELT
2melt
noun
Definition of MELT
1
a : material in the molten state b : the mass melted at a single operation or the quantity melted during a specified period
2
a : the action or process of melting or the period during which it occurs <the spring melt> b : the condition of being melted
3
: a sandwich with melted cheese <a tuna melt>
First Known Use of MELT
1847
3melt
noun
Definition of MELT
: spleen; especially : spleen of slaughtered animals for use as feed or food
Origin of MELT
Middle English milte, from Old English; akin to Old High German miltzi spleen
First Known Use: before 12th century
MELT Defined for Kids
melt
verb \ˈmelt\
melt·edmelt·ing
Definition of MELT for Kids
1
: to change from a solid to a liquid usually through the action of heat <Snow melts.> <I'm melting butter.>
2
: to grow less : disappear <Clouds melted away.>
3
: to make or become gentle : soften <The kittens melted her heart.>
4
: to lose clear outline <“Yes, I know,” said the Fox, melting into the bushes. — Robert Lawson, Rabbit Hill>
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