Definition

1. Noun:
   • Solidified carbon dioxide: A solid form of carbon dioxide (CO₂) that is extremely cold, at a temperature of approximately -78.5°C (-109.3°F). It does not melt into a liquid but instead transitions directly from a solid to a gas, a process called sublimation. It is primarily used as a cooling agent or refrigerant.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The laboratory uses dry ice to keep biological samples frozen during transport.
  • For the Halloween party, they created a spooky fog effect by placing dry ice in warm water.
  • Dry ice is essential for shipping perishable goods like ice cream.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific/Industrial Context: Dry ice is often specified for its non-liquid, sublimating property, which prevents water damage in cooling applications.
  • The advantage of using dry ice in this process is that it leaves no residue.
• Safety Note: The term is frequently used with warnings about handling, as it can cause severe frostbite.
  • Always handle dry ice with insulated gloves.

Variants and Related Words

• Carbon dioxide snow: An alternative name, emphasizing its physical state and composition.
• Cardice: A less common abbreviated or brand name variant.

Synonyms

• Solid carbon dioxide: The technical, descriptive synonym.
• CO₂(s): The chemical notation for solid carbon dioxide.

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Dry ice blasting: An industrial cleaning process that uses dry ice pellets.
  • Dry ice blasting is an effective way to clean machinery without using water.
• Dry ice pack: A cooling pack containing dry ice for shipping.
  • The vaccine shipment was secured with dry ice packs.

Notes on Meaning

• The term dry ice specifically refers to the solid state. It is called "dry" because it sublimates, bypassing the liquid phase, unlike water ice which melts.
• Its primary meaning is tied to its use as a refrigerant, but it also has common uses in special effects (creating fog) and in cleaning.

Noun

1. solidified carbon dioxide; dry ice sublimates at -78.5 C and is used mainly as a refrigerant