Science, Tech, Math › Science Melting Definition in Chemistry Chemistry Glossary Definition of Melting Share Flipboard Email Print An example of melting is seen when ice cream changes from a solid into a liquid. Chris Gramly/Getty Images Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Facebook Twitter Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on June 05, 2019 Melting is the process by which a substance changes from the solid phase to the liquid phase. Melting is also known as fusion, although this term has several meanings. Melting occurs when the internal energy of a solid increases, usually through the application of heat or pressure, such that the molecules become less ordered. Example In ice cube melting into liquid water is a familiar example of the process. Another common example is melting butter in a hot pan. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Melting Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Aug. 25, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-melting-604568. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 25). Melting Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-melting-604568 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Melting Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-melting-604568 (accessed January 24, 2022). copy citation