1 ice
Pronounced:
/ˈaɪs/
Function:
nounInflected forms:
plural ic·esMeaning:
1 [noncount] a : frozen water ▪ The steps were coated with ice. ▪ a piece of ice ▪ Ice formed on the car's windows. ▪ The ice melted quickly in the hot sun. ▪ ice crystals/particles/sculptures ▪ ice cubes —see also dry ice b : a sheet of frozen water ▪ She skated out onto the ice. ▪ He almost fell through a hole in the ice. —see also black ice, center ice c : cubes or pieces of ice ▪ Fill the glass with ice.
2 a [count, noncount] US : a frozen dessert of crushed ice sweetened with fruit juice ▪ (a) raspberry ice b [count] Brit old-fashioned : a serving of ice cream
3 [noncount] US slang old-fashioned : diamonds or jewelry ▪ He gave her some ice for her birthday. ▪ She was dripping with ice. [=she was wearing a lot of diamond jewelry]
2 a [count, noncount] US : a frozen dessert of crushed ice sweetened with fruit juice ▪ (a) raspberry ice b [count] Brit old-fashioned : a serving of ice cream
3 [noncount] US slang old-fashioned : diamonds or jewelry ▪ He gave her some ice for her birthday. ▪ She was dripping with ice. [=she was wearing a lot of diamond jewelry]
break the ice
informal : to say or do something that helps people to relax and begin talking at a meeting, party, etc. ▪ He told a joke to break the ice. —see also icebreaker 2
cut ice
informal : to have importance to someone —usually + with —used in negative statements ▪ His opinion doesn't cut any ice with me. = His opinion cuts no ice with me. [=his opinion is not important to me]
on ice
1 : on top of pieces of ice in order to be kept cool ▪ I'll put the champagne on ice.
2 informal : in the state of being delayed for a time ▪ We'll have to put/keep the project on ice until more funds become available. [=we'll have to stop working on the project until more funds become available]
3 US informal : in a condition that makes victory certain ▪ With that last goal they put the game on ice. [=they iced the game; they made it certain that they would win the game]
2 informal : in the state of being delayed for a time ▪ We'll have to put/keep the project on ice until more funds become available. [=we'll have to stop working on the project until more funds become available]
3 US informal : in a condition that makes victory certain ▪ With that last goal they put the game on ice. [=they iced the game; they made it certain that they would win the game]
on thin ice
: in a dangerous situation : in a situation that may cause you to get into trouble ▪ In going against his father's wishes, he was (skating/walking) on thin ice.