zero chill

plural zero chills

1. countableuncountableCold temperatures of approximately zero degrees.

   The dull grey skies hint at more snow, and the zero chill approaches.

   1991, Geraldine Farrar, Aida Craig Truxall, All Good Greetings: Letters of Geraldine Farrar to Ilke Marie, page 54

   3 more examples

   These nitrifying homes will act in any climate, provided they are guarded from zero chills.

   1909, Canadian Engineer - Volume 17, page 63

   Abstract as the sun's insistent care, warmth's illusion burning memory's glass until you step outside into the zero chill — feel this bond become as frail as winter's grass.

   2014, Catherine Owen, Designated Mourner, →ISBN, page 20

   The deep, killing cold eased, although she knew somehow that the zero chill was only held at bay.

   2017, Tad Williams, Mountain of Black Glass: Otherland Book 3, →ISBN

2. countableuncountableThe property of a casting having no chill (hardened surface).

   It is hoped that future engine designs will incorporate a zero chill feature.

   1963, Automotive Engineering - Volume 71, page 66

   2 more examples

   As the carbon equivalent increases, the depth of the chill decreases until the entire sample is gray, showing a zero chill measurement.

   1960, The Iron Worker - Volumes 24-26, page 95

   Chill depth in the castings poured with inoculant inserts was greatly reduced, and some of them (e.g. castings 35, 38) had the optimum combination of zero chill and low dross.

   1987, Jay Easwaran, Advanced casting technology

3. countableinformaluncountableInability to be calm or rational.

   As my nephew Chase liked to say of ill-behaved people, “Dude had zero chill.”

   2014, Michele Grant, Any Man I Want, →ISBN, page 3

   1 more example

   "Sam, I think we need to discuss your chill factor. Right now you're on like zero chill. It's just not going to do."

   2007, Jordan Roter, Girl in Development, →ISBN, page 103

4. countableinformaluncountableLack of any good qualities.

   “So dad can't get here?” She added some shrill tones into the rising outrage. “Zero chill.”

   2015, Genie Davis, Pauline Baird Jones, Open With Care, →ISBN