antifreeze

Everyday

Antifreeze is a liquid added to the water in a car engine (and some other machines) to stop it freezing in cold weather and to help keep the engine cool. tree →

In the lessons

In science it shows that adding something to water lowers its freezing point (salt on icy roads works the same way). In everyday life and safety, antifreeze is poisonous: it tastes sweet, so animals and small children may drink it; it must be kept locked away and spills cleaned up. Phrases: «top up the antifreeze», «antifreeze poisoning».

Examples

• Dad put antifreeze in the car before winter. tree →
• Antifreeze stops the water in the engine from freezing. tree →
• Antifreeze is poisonous, so never touch it. tree →
• Cats can be poisoned by drinking spilled antifreeze. tree →
• Keep antifreeze locked away from children and pets. tree →
• Some fish in the Antarctic have natural antifreeze in their blood. tree →
• Salt works a bit like antifreeze on icy roads. tree →
• The mechanic checked the antifreeze level. tree →

Note

Uncountable: «some antifreeze». One word, from «anti-» (against) + «freeze». Safety: its sweet taste makes it extra dangerous; if anyone may have swallowed it, get emergency help at once.