Pronunciation: [ˈa͡ɪs pˈɔ͡ɪnt] (IPA) 
"Ice point" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription of /aɪs pɔɪnt/. The word "ice" is spelled with the long "i" sound, represented in IPA by the symbol /aɪ/, followed by the consonant cluster "c" and "e". The word "point" is spelled with the sound of "oi", represented in IPA by the symbol /ɔɪ/, followed by the consonant "n" and "t". Together, these phonetic representations give the spelling of the word "ice point".
Ice point refers to the temperature at which water freezes or solidifies into ice under normal atmospheric pressure. It is a significant reference point on the Celsius temperature scale, which is also known as the centigrade scale. The ice point is defined as the temperature of pure water in equilibrium with ice at a pressure of one standard atmosphere, which is approximately equal to 0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
The ice point holds immense importance in scientific measurements, particularly in calibrating and standardizing temperature scales. It serves as a fundamental fixed point in various thermometry systems, ensuring accurate and reproducible temperature measurements. For instance, the Celsius scale assigns the value of 0 degrees to the ice point, acting as a crucial reference for defining temperature intervals.
Moreover, the ice point is vital in everyday contexts as well. The knowledge of the ice point enables precise temperature control in numerous applications, such as freezing and preservation of perishable goods, climate control systems, and medical applications like cryotherapy.
Due to its universal significance and reproducibility, the ice point remains a key reference for temperature measurement across various scientific disciplines, industrial sectors, and everyday applications.
The term "ice point" comes from the combination of the words "ice" and "point".
Etymologically, "ice" originated from the Old English word "īs", which is similar to the Old High German word "īs" and Old Norse word "ís". These words all referred to frozen water or ice.
On the other hand, "point" comes from the Old French word "point", which means "a sharp tip" or "a mark or dot". It can be traced back to the Latin word "punctum", meaning "a small hole made by pricking".
When these two words are combined, "ice point" refers to the temperature at which ice and water coexist in equilibrium, also known as the freezing point of water.
