cryogenic

adjective

cryo·​gen·​ic ˌkrī-ə-ˈje-nik 

1

a

: of or relating to the production of very low temperatures

b

: being or relating to very low temperatures

2

a

: requiring or involving the use of a cryogenic temperature

b

: requiring cryogenic storage

c

: suitable for storage of a cryogenic substance

cryogenically

ˌkrī-ə-ˈje-ni-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of cryogenic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many past infrared telescopes used cryogenic coolant to chill their detectors, but this is a finite resource that gradually boils off in space, limiting mission lifetimes. —Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2025

This decline was attributed to a reduction in demand for cryogenic systems. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2025

In the aftermath, Rogers frees his teammates from prison while Barnes undergoes cryogenic stasis in Wakanda until his brainwashing can be cured. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025

The plan for Starship is to transfer cryogenic propellants between tankers, depots, and ships heading to the Moon, Mars, or other deep-space destinations. —Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

cryo- + -genic

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for cryogenic

• asthenic
• edenic
• eugenic
• hellenic
• myasthenic
• naphthenic
• transgenic
• allergenic
• androgenic
• antigenic
• authigenic
• autogenic

Medical Definition

cryogenic

adjective

cryo·​gen·​ic ˌkrī-ə-ˈjen-ik 

1

a

: of or relating to the production of very low temperatures

b

: being or relating to very low temperatures

2

: requiring or involving the use of a cryogenic temperature

cryogenic surgery

cryogenic arterial thrombolysis

cryogenically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb