supercool: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Scientific for the literal meaning; Informal/Slang for the figurative meaning.
Quick answer
What does “supercool” mean?
To cool a liquid below its freezing point without it solidifying.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To cool a liquid below its freezing point without it solidifying.
To cool something to an extremely low temperature; (informal) to be extremely impressive, stylish, or excellent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in the scientific term. The informal adjective 'super-cool' is slightly more prevalent in American media and marketing.
Connotations
In scientific contexts, it is neutral. In informal use, it connotes high approval, trendiness, or impressive performance.
Frequency
The verb form is low-frequency and technical. The informal adjective is moderately common in youth culture, advertising, and tech reviews.
Grammar
How to Use “supercool” in a Sentence
Scientists can supercool [liquid] to [temperature].They supercooled the solution.It's a supercool [noun].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “supercool” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lab managed to supercool the saline solution to -15°C.
- Supercooling the metal alloy requires precise control.
American English
- Researchers supercooled the substance to study its properties.
- The process can supercool water without it turning to ice.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tech/engineering sectors describing a process.
Academic
Common in physics, chemistry, and materials science papers.
Everyday
Almost exclusively the informal, approving adjective.
Technical
The primary domain for the verb, describing a metastable state of a liquid.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “supercool”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “supercool”
- Using 'supercool' as a standard synonym for 'very cold' in formal writing (e.g., 'The weather is supercool').
- Confusing the hyphenated adjective ('super-cool') with the unhyphenated verb ('supercool').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a verb, it is one word ('supercool'). As an informal adjective, it is often hyphenated ('super-cool') though the one-word form is also seen.
Yes, but only in its precise scientific sense. The informal meaning ('very impressive') is not appropriate for formal academic or business writing.
Scientifically, 'cool' means to reduce temperature, while 'supercool' specifically means to cool below freezing point without solidification. Informally, 'supercool' is a more intense version of 'cool'.
Yes. 'Supercooled' is the adjective or past participle derived from the verb 'supercool', describing a substance that has undergone supercooling (e.g., 'supercooled water').
To cool a liquid below its freezing point without it solidifying.
Supercool: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsuːpəˈkuːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsuːpərˈkuːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SUPER' cold. It's so cold it's beyond normal freezing—it's super cool.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXTREME IS SUPER (The 'super-' prefix intensifies the base concept of 'cool').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'supercool' used correctly?