thaws

Noun

thaw (plural thaws)

1. (also, attributive) A gradual melting or softening of something frozen (such as earth, ice, or snow) when the temperature rises; the transformation of something frozen into a fluid or semifluid.
2. (also, attributive) A gradual warming up of someone or something that is very cold.
   • raging floods pursue their hasty thaw; / Our thaw was mild , the cold not chased away1660, [John] Dryden, Astraea Redux
3. (also, attributive, figuratively) Of something inactive: an act of becoming active; also, of something unfeeling: an act of developing feelings.
4. (also, attributive, figuratively) Of a person who is reserved or unfriendly: an act of becoming friendly or gentle.
5. (also, attributive, figuratively) A period of relaxation of restrictions in a country or state; also, a period of increased friendliness or understanding, or of reduced hostility or tension in relations, between states.
6. (also, attributive) A period of weather warm enough to melt ice, snow, etc.

See all 18 meanings of thaw