icebreaker

icebreaker
icebreaker icebreaker n. 1. a ship with a reinforced bow and powerful engines designed to break up layers of ice on waterways and keep channels open for navigation.

Syn: iceboat. [WordNet 1.5]

2. A remark or action intended to relieve tension or reduce formality when initiating conversation or beginning a speech; it is often a humorous or light remark. [PJC]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • icebreaker — ☆ icebreaker [īs′brāk΄ər ] n. 1. a sturdy, powerful vessel designed to cut channels through heavy ice 2. a wedgelike structure for protecting a bridge pier, dock, etc. from floating ice 3. anything serving to lessen formality or break down… …   English World dictionary

  • Icebreaker — [ thumb|right|300px|German icebreaker Polarstern ] An icebreaker is a special purpose ship or boat designed to move and navigate through ice covered waters. Although the term usually refers to icebreaking ships, it can also refer to smaller… …   Wikipedia

  • Icebreaker — Este artículo o sección necesita referencias que aparezcan en una publicación acreditada, como revistas especializadas, monografías, prensa diaria o páginas de Internet fidedignas. Puedes añadirlas así o avisar …   Wikipedia Español

  • icebreaker — UK [ˈaɪsˌbreɪkə(r)] / US [ˈaɪsˌbreɪkər] noun [countable] Word forms icebreaker : singular icebreaker plural icebreakers 1) a ship that can break through floating ice 2) something that you say or do to make people feel more relaxed at a party or… …   English dictionary

  • icebreaker — /uys bray keuhr/, n. 1. Naut. a ship specially built for breaking navigable passages through ice. 2. an opening remark, action, etc., designed to ease tension or relieve formality: A mild joke can be a good icebreaker. 3. a tool or machine for… …   Universalium

  • icebreaker — noun /ˈaɪsˌbreɪkər/ a) A ship designed to break through ice so that it, or other ships coming behind, can navigate on frozen seas. The steel hulls of ice breakers are much thicker than those of standard vessels. b) A game, activi …   Wiktionary

  • icebreaker — ice|break|er [ˈaısˌbreıkə US ər] n 1.) something that you say or do to make people less nervous when they first meet ▪ This game is an effective icebreaker at the beginning of a semester. →break the ice at ↑break1 (29) 2.) a ship that cuts a… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • icebreaker — noun (C) 1 a ship that cuts a passage through floating ice 2 something that you say or do to make people less nervous when they first meet: This game is an effective icebreaker at the beginning of a semester. see also: break the ice break 1 (30) …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • icebreaker — noun 1. a ship with a reinforced bow to break up ice and keep channels open for navigation • Syn: ↑iceboat • Hypernyms: ↑ship 2. a beginning that relaxes a tense or formal atmosphere he told jokes as an icebreaker • Hypernyms: ↑b …   Useful english dictionary

  • Icebreaker (band) — Icebreaker is a UK based new music ensemble founded by James Poke and John Godfrey. The group have established themselves as one of the UK s leading new music interpreters.BiographyIcebreaker was formed in 1989 to play at the new Dutch music… …   Wikipedia

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