molten: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary, technical (especially in metallurgy, geology, manufacturing).
Quick answer
What does “molten” mean?
The past participle of 'melt', specifically describing a substance (especially metal, glass, or rock) that has been heated to a liquid state.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The past participle of 'melt', specifically describing a substance (especially metal, glass, or rock) that has been heated to a liquid state.
Used figuratively to describe something that appears to flow, glow, or have been shaped as if by intense heat (e.g., molten emotions, molten light).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Slightly higher frequency in American technical/industrial contexts.
Connotations
Both varieties share connotations of industry, power, geology, and artistry (e.g., glassblowing).
Frequency
Low-frequency in general discourse, but standard in relevant technical fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “molten” in a Sentence
[molten] + [noun (material)]poured/cast/injected + [molten] + [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “molten” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Archaic/poetic) 'The sun had molten the lead on the roof.'
American English
- (Archaic/poetic) 'The intense fire molten the ancient bell.'
adjective
British English
- The blacksmith poured the molten iron into the sand mould.
- The volcano spewed rivers of molten rock down its slopes.
American English
- The sculptor worked with molten glass to create the vase.
- The planet's core is believed to be composed of molten nickel and iron.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like foundries or glass manufacturing.
Academic
Common in geology (volcanology), materials science, physics, and engineering texts.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used descriptively for food (e.g., molten chocolate cake) or in news reports about volcanoes.
Technical
Core term in metallurgy, glassmaking, plastics engineering, and earth sciences.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “molten”
- Using 'molten' predictively (e.g., 'The steel was molten' – prefer 'was in a molten state' or 'had melted').
- Using it for low-temperature melts (e.g., 'molten butter' is unusual; 'melted butter' is standard).
- Confusing 'molten' (adj.) with 'melted' (adj./verb).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Molten' is typically used for materials that melt at very high temperatures (metals, glass, rock) and often implies a subsequent shaping or industrial process. 'Melted' is the general term for anything that has undergone melting (butter, ice, plastic).
Rarely in modern English. 'Molten' is an archaic or poetic past participle of 'melt'. In contemporary usage, 'melted' is the standard past participle for the verb. 'Molten' is almost exclusively used as an adjective.
No, but it is most common for metals, glass, and rock. It can be used for other materials that require high heat to liquefy (e.g., certain plastics) and figuratively. Using it for low-temperature substances like chocolate or cheese is a stylistic choice, often for marketing or descriptive flair.
It is grammatically possible but stylistically awkward. It's more natural to use it attributively (before a noun), e.g., 'molten metal', or in a phrase like 'in a molten state'. 'The metal has melted' or 'The metal is liquid' are more common predictive constructions.
The past participle of 'melt', specifically describing a substance (especially metal, glass, or rock) that has been heated to a liquid state.
Molten is usually formal, literary, technical (especially in metallurgy, geology, manufacturing). in register.
Molten: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊl.tən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊl.tən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “molten with rage (literary/figurative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a VOLCANO – it contains MOLTEN rock. Both words have 'ol' and suggest intense heat.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTENSE EMOTION IS HEAT / LIQUID (e.g., 'molten rage', 'molten desire').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'molten' MOST appropriate?