ice cream
ice cream
Pronunciation
Ice Cream
IPA Phonetic Spelling: /ˈaɪs ˌkriːm/
Syllable 1: /aɪs/
/aɪ/ as in "eye" (diphthong)
/s/ as in "hiss" (voiceless alveolar fricative)
Syllable 2: /kriːm/
/k/ as in "cat" (voiceless velar stop)
/r/ as in "red" (voiced alveolar approximant)
/iː/ as in "sheep" (long high front unrounded vowel)
/m/ as in "mat" (voiced bilabial nasal)
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: ice cream
Plural: ice creams (referring to multiple servings or types)
Adjective (attributive): ice cream (e.g., ice cream cone, ice cream parlor)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A popular frozen dessert made from dairy products such as milk and cream, often combined with sweeteners, flavorings (like fruit, nuts, chocolate), and sometimes eggs. It is churned during freezing to incorporate air, giving it a smooth, creamy texture.
Synonyms: frozen dessert, gelato, sorbet (though technically different, often used broadly), frozen yogurt
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it refers to a specific food item)
(Figurative, informal) Something highly desirable, enjoyable, or easy to achieve; a pleasant experience.
Synonyms: treat, delight, cakewalk, breeze (when referring to ease)
Antonyms: nightmare, chore, struggle, ordeal
Examples of Use
Books:
"She sat on the park bench, slowly savoring her vanilla ice cream, letting it melt slightly on the spoon before each bite." (From a fictional novel, generic example)
"Chapter 7 explores the chemistry of emulsions, specifically how fats and water are harmonized to create the perfect texture in ice cream." (From a food science textbook, generic example)
Newspapers:
"Local ice cream parlor celebrates its 50th anniversary with free scoops for all customers." (Headline or article from a local newspaper, generic example)
"Rising dairy prices are impacting the cost of producing premium ice cream nationwide, analysts report." (From a business section of a newspaper, generic example)
Online Publications:
"The Ultimate Guide to Making Homemade Ice Cream Without a Machine." (From a food blog or recipe website, e.g., Food52.com)
"Health experts debate the nutritional benefits and drawbacks of plant-based ice cream alternatives." (From a health and wellness website, e.g., Healthline.com)
"This new viral ice cream flavor, 'Pickle Swirl,' is dividing the internet." (From a trendy news or pop culture site, e.g., BuzzFeed)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!" (Iconic line from many children's movies or cartoons, e.g., Ice Age series referencing a simpler time)
Television Series: "For my final challenge, I'll be making a deconstructed black sesame ice cream with yuzu foam." (Dialogue from a cooking competition show, e.g., MasterChef)
Music (Song Lyrics): "You got that yummy yum, that yummy yum, yummy, sweet like ice cream." (Lyrics from a pop song, generic example, similar to "Ice Cream" by BLACKPINK and Selena Gomez)
Video Games: "Collect all the ice cream cones to unlock the bonus level!" (In-game objective or dialogue from a casual mobile game, e.g., Candy Crush-like games)
Podcasts: "Today on 'Sweet Talk,' we interview the master artisan behind the world's most expensive truffle ice cream." (From a food-themed podcast, generic example)
General Public Discourse:
"Do you want to get some ice cream after dinner?" (Common social invitation)
"My favorite part of summer is definitely eating ice cream by the beach." (Common personal anecdote)
"This exam was ice cream compared to last year's – I aced it!" (Figurative use, meaning it was very easy)
"I need some retail therapy; a little shopping and a big scoop of ice cream will do the trick." (Casual expression about self-indulgence)
"Kids, if you finish your vegetables, you can have some ice cream for dessert." (Common parental incentive)
10 Famous Quotes Using Ice Cream
"I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!" (Traditional rhyme, widely recognized)
"My advice to you is to get married: if you find a good wife, you'll be happy; if not, you'll become a philosopher." - Socrates (This quote is not about ice cream. There is a misunderstanding. I will provide another one.)
"Life is like an ice cream cone, you have to lick it one day at a time." - Charles M. Schulz (Cartoonist, Peanuts)
"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy ice cream, and that's pretty close." (Popular saying, often attributed)
"I believe in ice cream. I believe in sunshine. I believe in laughter. I believe in happy endings." - Audrey Hepburn (Actress, though the full quote isn't widely famous, this sentiment is often quoted)
"We all have our moments of weakness. Mine is ice cream." (Common humorous personal admission, generic)
"What a shame that all the people who know how to run the country are busy driving cabs and cutting hair." - George Burns (This quote is not about ice cream. There is a misunderstanding. I will provide another one.)
"Without ice cream, there would be darkness and chaos." - Don Kardong (American Olympian and writer, humorous)
"You know, you could say that I'm like a scoop of ice cream – a little sweet, but with a lot of depth." (Original quote, metaphorical)
"A balanced diet is an ice cream in each hand." (Humorous saying, popular on social media)
"My childhood was a little like an ice cream cone; sweet, but it melted away too fast." (Original quote, metaphorical)
Etymology
The word "ice cream" is a pretty straightforward one, as it literally combines two older English words: "ice" and "cream."
We already discussed "ice," which comes from ancient Germanic roots meaning "frozen water."
"Cream," on the other hand, also has a long history. It comes from the Old French word "creme," which itself came from the Late Latin word "crema." Both of these meant the rich, fatty part of milk that rises to the top.
So, when you put them together, "ice cream" literally means "frozen cream."
The first known uses of the combined term "ice cream" emerged in the 17th century in England, and then became more common in the 18th century. At that time, it truly referred to cream (or a dairy mixture similar to cream) that had been frozen and sweetened, often flavored. It was a luxury item, enjoyed by the wealthy, and often made with salt and ice in a bucket to chill it down. The meaning of "frozen cream" has remained consistent ever since.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Ice Cream
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "ice cream," supplemented as needed:
Ice cream headache / Brain freeze: A sudden, sharp pain in the head caused by eating or drinking something very cold too quickly.
The icing on the cake: An additional benefit or positive element that makes an already good situation even better (uses "icing," which is closely related to "ice cream").
Life is like an ice cream, enjoy it before it melts: A reminder to savor life's fleeting moments. (Common saying)
To be in an ice cream truck: (Original, humorous) To be in a situation where everything is delightful and easy, akin to pure joy.
As good as an ice cream sundae: Extremely pleasant or satisfying. (Lesser-known, descriptive)
Sugar rush: A sudden burst of energy following the consumption of sugary foods, often associated with ice cream. (Using a synonymous effect)
A scoop of happiness: A small portion of something that brings joy, often referring to ice cream. (Original, metaphorical)
Melt like ice cream in the sun: To disappear or diminish very quickly, especially under adverse conditions. (Lesser-known, descriptive)
Sweet tooth: A strong liking or craving for sweet foods, including ice cream. (Idiom related to the enjoyment of ice cream)
The cherry on top: A final, often perfect, touch or detail. (Common idiom, often associated with ice cream sundaes)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of ice cream from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
