antifreeze
AN-tee-freez
/ˈæn.ti.friːz/
A liquid additive mixed with water in an engine's cooling system to lower its freezing point and raise its boiling point.
Often used interchangeably with 'coolant', though antifreeze is technically the concentrated chemical added to water.
The story behind the word. Coined in the 1920s as early motorists struggled with frozen engine blocks in winter. The prefix 'anti-' meaning 'against' was attached to 'freeze' to describe ethylene glycol solutions that prevented catastrophic ice expansion inside radiators.
Word relationships
- coolant: 'Coolant' refers to the pre-mixed fluid flowing through the radiator, whereas 'antifreeze' is the chemical concentrate.
Commonly confused with
- refrigerant: Refrigerant circulates in air conditioning systems to absorb heat, while antifreeze circulates in the engine block to regulate temperature.
Word family
- antifreezes (noun): plural form of antifreeze
Collocations
- antifreeze leak
- pour antifreeze
- check antifreeze levels
- ethylene glycol antifreeze
Example sentences
- "Make sure your cooling system contains enough antifreeze so the engine block does not crack during freezing winter nights." Winterizing a vehicle
- "Clean up any spilled antifreeze immediately because its sweet odor attracts pets, yet it is extremely toxic." Safety warning regarding pets
Memory hook
ANTI-FREEZE prevents water from turning into FREEZING ice inside your engine. Anti-freeze stops the big freeze.
When not to use
Do not confuse with windshield washer fluid or engine oil.
Fun facts
- Pure ethylene glycol actually freezes at around 12°C (10°F), but when mixed 50/50 with water, the combination's freezing point drops dramatically to -37°C (-35°F).
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