Definition

Not cooled enough to reach a stable state, often used in scientific contexts to describe a substance that remains in a liquid state below its normal freezing point.

Example

The liquid was undercooled, remaining in a liquid state even at temperatures below freezing.

Conversation

Have you ever tried that new ice cream place downtown?

Not yet, but I've heard their flavors are amazing.

I went yesterday, but the ice cream was a bit undercooled for my taste.

Oh no, that's disappointing! I hope they fix that soon.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To cool something to a temperature that is lower than its normal or expected level, often without freezing it.

Example

The liquid was undercooled before it was poured into the mold.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you notice how the ice cream got undercooled in the freezer?

Yeah, I thought it was too hard to scoop!

I guess we left it in there for too long, huh?

Root Explanation

Undercooled → It is formed from "under-" (meaning below or beneath) and "cooled" (from the root "cool" which comes from Old English "ceald", meaning cold). The word "undercooled" refers to a state where something is cooled to a temperature below its normal freezing point without solidifying.

Memory Tip

Think of something being 'below' ('under-') its normal 'cold' state — that's why undercooled means it is colder than usual.

Visually Confused Words