freezing process

noun

1
: a process of excavating shafts or tunnels in unstable material (as quicksand) by freezing an area larger than the intended work and excavating in the frozen earth
2
: a method of sinking a shaft through watery strata during the winter by thawing part way through the frozen surface with fire, digging out the softened earth, and then allowing another frozen crust to form and repeating the operations as needed

Word History

Etymology

freezing from gerund of freeze entry 1

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near freezing process

Cite this Entry

“Freezing process.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freezing%20process. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!