SKIP TO CONTENT

dry ice

/ˌˈdraɪ ˌaɪs/
/draɪ aɪs/
IPA guide

Dry ice is carbon dioxide in solid form. It's frequently used for keeping food frozen, especially when the food is being shipped. Dry ice is so cold that it can give you cryogenic burns if you touch it.

Dry ice is colder than ice made from water, and it stays cold much longer. Another advantage of dry ice it that most of its residue evaporates, rather than leaving a soggy puddle behind. Thanks to dry ice, it's possible to send ice cream in the mail and have it arrive still frozen. The steamy vapor dry ice gives off when you put it in water also makes impressive "smoke" for special effects in haunted houses.

Definitions of dry ice
  1. noun
    solidified carbon dioxide; dry ice sublimates at -78.5 C and is used mainly as a refrigerant
    see moresee less
    type of:
    solid
    matter that is solid at room temperature and pressure
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘dry ice'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family