Melt vs. Smelt: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 16, 2023
"Melt" means to turn from a solid to a liquid due to heat, while "smelt" refers to extracting metal from its ore or the act of melting.
Difference Between Melt and Smelt
The words melt and smelt might sound similar, but they have distinct implications in the realms of physics and metallurgy. To melt means to turn a solid into a liquid, typically through the application of heat. In this sense, many substances can melt, from ice to chocolate. Conversely, smelt primarily refers to the process of extracting metal from its ore by heating it until it becomes liquid, thereby separating the metal from impurities.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
If one observes a block of ice transitioning into water under the sun's influence, they are witnessing the melt process. But if someone speaks of the steps to obtain pure iron from its natural ore state, they are discussing the smelt process. Thus, while melting can be a component of smelting, smelting always involves a transformative extraction.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
From a grammatical angle, both melt and smelt function as verbs. But "melt" has a broader application. Beyond the physical transformation of states, it can symbolize emotional changes, like a heart "melting" with compassion. "Smelt," on the other hand, is more technical and specific to metallurgy, although it also refers to a certain family of small fish.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
It's also vital to note that while melt strictly concerns the transformation of substances from solid to liquid, smelt encompasses a dual meaning. Apart from its metallurgical context, "smelt" denotes a specific type of small fish found in cooler waters.
Jonathan
Sep 16, 2023
In summation, while both melt and smelt engage with the concept of transformation due to heat, their primary contexts differ. Melt is about phase change, and smelt concerns metal extraction or, in an entirely different context, references a type of fish.
Kaitlyn
Sep 16, 2023
Melt vs. Smelt Comparison Chart
Definition
Turn from a solid to a liquid through heat.
Extract metal from ore or reference to a type of fish.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
Contextual Usage
Can be used in physical and emotional contexts.
Mostly technical in metallurgy or refers to fish.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
Resultant State
Leads to a liquid state.
Leads to extraction of metal or identifies a fish.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
Interrelation
Is a general process that can be part of smelting.
Specific process involving melting as a component.
Leo
Sep 16, 2023
Melt vs. Smelt Definitions
◉Melt
To be changed from a solid to a liquid state especially by the application of heat.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Smelt
Extract metal from its ore by heating and melting.
The blacksmith can smelt iron to obtain a purer form.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
◉Melt
To disappear or vanish gradually as if by dissolving
The crowd melted away after the rally.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Melt
To pass or merge imperceptibly into something else
Sea melted into sky along the horizon.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Smelt
To melt or fuse (ores) in order to separate the metallic constituents.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Melt
To change (a solid) to a liquid state especially by the application of heat.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Smelt
Any of various small silvery marine, freshwater, and anadromous food fishes of the family Osmeridae, found in cold waters of the Northern Hemisphere, especially Osmerus mordax of North America and O. eperlanus of Europe.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Smelt
Any small anadromous fish of the family Osmeridae, found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and in lakes in North America and northern part of Europe.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Melt
To cause (units) to blend
"Here individuals of all races are melted into a new race of men" (Michel Guillaume Jean de Crèvecoeur).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Smelt
Production of metal, especially iron, from ore in a process that involves melting and chemical reduction of metal compounds into purified metal.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Smelt
Any of the various liquids or semi-molten solids produced and used during the course of such production.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Smelt
To fuse or melt two things into one, especially in order to extract metal from ore; to meld.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Smelt
Any one of numerous species of small silvery salmonoid fishes of the genus Osmerus and allied genera, which ascend rivers to spawn, and sometimes become landlocked in lakes. They are esteemed as food, and have a peculiar odor and taste.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Smelt
To melt or fuse, as, ore, for the purpose of separating and refining the metal; hence, to reduce; to refine; to flux or scorify; as, to smelt tin.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Smelt
small trout-like silvery marine or freshwater food fishes of cold northern waters
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Melt
(geology) Rock showing evidence of having been remelted after it originally solidified.
Numerous samples of breccia and impact melts were recovered by drilling into the floor of the crater.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Melt
A wax-based substance for use in an oil burner as an alternative to mixing oils and water.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Melt
(ergative) To change (or to be changed) from a solid state to a liquid state, usually by a gradual heat.
I melted butter to make a cake.
When the weather is warm, the snowman will disappear; he will melt.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Melt
To soften, as by a warming or kindly influence; to relax; to render gentle or susceptible to mild influences; sometimes, in a bad sense, to take away the firmness of; to weaken.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Melt
To be emotionally softened or touched.
She melted when she saw the romantic message in the Valentine's Day card.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Melt
To reduce from a solid to a liquid state, as by heat; to liquefy; as, to melt wax, tallow, or lead; to melt ice or snow.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Melt
To soften, as by a warming or kindly influence; to relax; to render gentle or susceptible to mild influences; sometimes, in a bad sense, to take away the firmness of; to weaken.
Thou would'st have . . . melted down thy youth.
For pity melts the mind to love.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Melt
To be changed from a solid to a liquid state under the influence of heat; as, butter and wax melt at moderate temperatures.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Melt
To be softened; to become tender, mild, or gentle; also, to be weakened or subdued, as by fear.
My soul melteth for heaviness.
Melting with tenderness and kind compassion.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Melt
To lose distinct form or outline; to blend. See fondue.
The soft, green, rounded hills, with their flowing outlines, overlapping and melting into each other.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Melt
To disappear by being dispersed or dissipated; as, the fog melts away.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Melt
the process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid;
the power failure caused a refrigerator melt that was a disaster
the thawing of a frozen turkey takes several hours
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Melt
reduce or cause to be reduced from a solid to a liquid state, usually by heating;
melt butter
melt down gold
The wax melted in the sun
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Melt
become or cause to become soft or liquid;
The sun melted the ice
the ice thawed
the ice cream melted
The heat melted the wax
The giant iceberg dissolved over the years during the global warming phase
dethaw the meat
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Melt
lose its distinct outline or shape; blend gradually;
Hundreds of actors were melting into the scene
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Melt
become less clearly visible or distinguishable; disappear gradually or seemingly;
The scene begins to fade
The tree trunks are melting into the forest at dusk
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Melt
become less intense and fade away gradually;
her resistance melted under his charm
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Melt
Turn from solid to liquid due to heat.
The butter will melt if left in the sun.
Kaitlyn
Sep 16, 2023
Melt vs. Smelt Frequently Asked Questions
Do both melt and smelt only apply to metals?
While melt can apply to any solid turning to liquid, smelt is specific to metals, except when referring to a type of fish.
Henry
Sep 16, 2023
Can you smelt chocolate like you melt it?
No, you melt chocolate. Smelting is specific to extracting metal from ore.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
Is melt always about heat?
Typically, yes. Melt usually involves turning solid to liquid through heat, though it can have metaphorical uses.
Olivia
Sep 16, 2023
Is smelting a type of melting?
Yes, smelting involves the melting of ores, but it is a specific process to extract metal.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
Are there smelt fish?
Yes, smelt also refers to a type of small fish found in cooler waters.
Olivia
Sep 16, 2023
Can you say "smelt the ice"?
No, the correct term is "melt the ice." Smelting is specific to metal extraction.
Levi
Sep 16, 2023
Which is broader in meaning, melt or smelt?
Melt has a broader application, from physical changes to metaphorical uses. Smelt is more specific.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
Is the emotional term "melting heart" related to smelting?
No, "melting heart" is a metaphor for feeling tenderness or compassion and is unrelated to smelting.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
Does smelting always purify metal?
Smelting aims to extract metal from its ore, which often results in a purer form.
Henry
Sep 16, 2023
In what industries is smelting common?
Smelting is common in metallurgical industries, especially in metal extraction and refining.
Nolan
Sep 16, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
