ScienceAugust 11, 2026

meltwater

MELT-waw-ter

Definition

Water resulting from the melting of ice or snow, which in planetary science contexts may flow across a surface or through subterranean features.

Etymology

A compound word derived from the Old English 'meltan' (to become liquid) and 'wæter' (water), dating back to Middle English.

In the news

In the article, the term is used to describe liquid runoff on Pluto that acts as a geological force, shaping the surface despite the extreme cold.

Pluto's heart is cold as ice but it still bleeds, NASA mission shows

Read the full article ↗

Mashable

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