Ice/aɪs/ Definition 1 of 5Pro Tip 1/3Physical State Refers to water's solid state, not just general coldness. Lake Erie is covered with ice during winter. Pro Tip 2/3Expression in Idioms Used in phrases to describe risky situations or breaking social tension. He was on thin ice with his teacher after forgetting homework. Pro Tip 3/3Literal and Figurative Can be used both in literal cooling contexts and metaphorically in expressions. Her ice-cold stare silenced the room.