Adjective
/ˌʌndərˈkuːld/
Undercooled refers to a state where a substance, typically a liquid, has been cooled below its normal cooling point without solidifying. This term is frequently used in scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry and physics, relating to materials and their phase transitions. Undercooled substances can exist in a metastable state and are often referenced in discussions about supercooling or glass formation.
In terms of frequency, "undercooled" is more commonly found in written texts such as scientific articles, research papers, or technical documents rather than in oral speech. It is a specialized term and is primarily used in specific fields rather than everyday conversation.
The solution was undercooled to prevent ice formation during the experiment.
Translation: La solución fue subenfriada para evitar la formación de hielo durante el experimento.
Undercooled liquids can sometimes exhibit unexpected behaviors when disturbed.
Translation: Los líquidos subenfriados a veces pueden exhibir comportamientos inesperados al ser perturbados.
The researchers studied how undercooled water behaves under varying pressure conditions.
Translation: Los investigadores estudiaron cómo se comporta el agua subenfriada bajo diferentes condiciones de presión.
"Undercooled" is a specialized term and does not frequently appear in idiomatic expressions. However, its concept can be related to broader themes of phase transitions or states of matter in various idiomatic or metaphorical contexts. Below are some sentences that incorporate related idiomatic expressions:
"Don't let emotions run cold, even if the situation seems undercooled."
Translation: No dejes que las emociones se enfríen, incluso si la situación parece subenfriada.
"She has a heart of ice, often undercooled by her past experiences."
Translation: Ella tiene un corazón de hielo, a menudo subenfriado por sus experiencias pasadas.
"In negotiations, his responses were undercooled, reflecting his disinterest."
Translation: En las negociaciones, sus respuestas estaban subenfriadas, reflejando su falta de interés.
The term "undercooled" is derived from the prefix "under-" meaning "below" or "insufficiently" combined with "cooled," the past participle of "cool," which traces its origins to the Old English word "ceole," meaning "cold." The combination denotes a state of being insufficiently cooled.
Synonyms: - Supercooled (in a specific context relating to cooling below the freezing point) - Chilled (in a less technical context)
Antonyms: - Heated - Boiled - Warmed
Overall, "undercooled" has a specific application in scientific discourse but can be metaphorically applied in expressions concerning emotional or situational states.