1.
non-freezing; freeze-proof; ice-free
The property of not freezing, or being designed to resist freezing. Used as a prefix or modifier in compound words describing ports, liquids, or equipment that remain functional in cold conditions.
不凍液を入れる。
To add antifreeze.
ウラジオストクは不凍港として知られている。
Vladivostok is known as an ice-free port.
冬になる前に不凍液の量を確認しておこう。
Let's check the antifreeze level before winter comes.
不凍栓を設置すれば水道管の凍結を防げる。
Installing a freeze-proof faucet can prevent water pipes from freezing.
Composed of 不 (non-, un-) and 凍 (freeze). Almost always used as a prefix in compounds rather than as a standalone word.
The two most common compounds are 不凍液 (antifreeze — the liquid used in car radiators) and 不凍港 (ice-free port — a port that remains navigable year-round). The latter is an important geography term; Russia's historical quest for a 不凍港 is a staple of world history classes.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 不凍液: antifreeze (for car engines)
- 不凍港: ice-free port
- 不凍栓: freeze-proof faucet/valve
- 不凍水栓: freeze-proof water tap
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 凍結: freezing — the condition that 不凍 prevents
- 防凍: antifreeze, freeze prevention — emphasizes actively preventing freezing rather than the inherent property of not freezing
- 解凍: thawing, defrosting — the process of undoing freezing