thaw thaw /ˈθɔ/

noun

1. () Warm weather following a freeze; snow and ice melt  ( thawing , warming , thaw )
   warm weather following a freeze; snow and ice melt
    They welcomed the spring thaw
   they welcomed the spring thaw
   
2. () The process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid  ( melt , melting , thaw , thawing )
   the process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid
    The power failure caused a refrigerator melt that was a disaster
   the power failure caused a refrigerator melt that was a disaster
    The thawing of a frozen turkey takes several hours
   the thawing of a frozen turkey takes several hours
   
   
3. A relaxation or slackening of tensions or reserve; becoming less hostile  ( thaw )
   a relaxation or slackening of tensions or reserve; becoming less hostile
    The thaw between the United States and Russia has led to increased cooperation in world affairs
   the thaw between the United States and Russia has led to increased cooperation in world affairs
   

verb

1. () Become or cause to become soft or liquid  ( dethaw , dissolve , unfreeze , melt , thaw , unthaw [ N. American] )
   become or cause to become soft or liquid
    The sun melted the ice
   The sun melted the ice
    The ice thawed
   the ice thawed
    The ice cream melted
   the ice cream melted
    The heat melted the wax
   The heat melted the wax
    The giant iceberg dissolved over the years during the global warming phase
   The giant iceberg dissolved over the years during the global warming phase
    Dethaw the meat
   dethaw the meat