Thaw
/θɔː/noun
To cause to change from a solid to a liquid state, typically due to warmth.
Did you know?In medieval times, the thawing of winter was often associated with the awakening of nature and fertility rituals, reflecting a magical rebirth each spring.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
þwahanō
“To melt or flow”
Old English
OE
þwāgan
“To melt or dissolve, especially ice or snow”
Middle English
ME
thawen
“To melt or become liquid, particularly referring to snow and ice”
Modern English
Eng
thaw
“To change from a solid state to a liquid, specifically in the context of ice or frost due to heat”