To melt means to change from solid to liquid because of heat. Ice melts into water when you leave it on the counter. Chocolate melts in your mouth. A snowman melts when spring arrives and temperatures rise above freezing.

Different materials melt at different temperatures. Ice melts at 32°F (0°C), which is why winter snow disappears as weather warms. Metal melts at much higher temperatures: blacksmiths heat iron until it melts so they can shape it into horseshoes or tools. Rocks melt deep inside volcanoes, becoming the glowing lava that flows down mountainsides.

The word also describes softening or weakening in an emotional way. When something melts your heart, it makes you feel sudden warmth and affection, like seeing a puppy learning to walk or watching a surprise reunion between old friends. Someone's anger might melt away when they hear a sincere apology. Your determination could melt under pressure if you give up too easily on a difficult challenge.

You might also hear someone say they're melting on an extremely hot day, meaning they feel like they're wilting from the heat, though they're not actually turning to liquid!