Definition
To remove ice that has already formed on an aircraft surface, typically by mechanical action, heat, or chemical fluids. Deicing systems and procedures are reactive — they act after ice has accumulated, in contrast to anti-icing, which prevents ice from forming in the first place.
Plain English
To get rid of ice that is already stuck to the airplane.
Context Anchor
Used in cold-weather preflight, ground handling, and systems discussions when ice has formed on the airplane.
Derivation
The prefix 'de-' comes from Latin, meaning 'remove' or 'reverse.' So 'deice' literally means 'remove ice' — which is exactly what it does.
Why Pilots Care
Ice on wings or control surfaces reduces lift and increases drag, so removing it promptly restores normal aircraft performance and handling.
Analogy
Like scraping frost off a car windshield so you can see and drive safely.
Grounding Statement
If ice is already on the airplane, deicing is the action taken to remove it.
Intuition Check
Deice does not mean preventing ice from forming in the first place. It means removing ice that has already formed.
Example Sentence 1
Before takeoff on a freezing morning, the crew requested a truck to deice the wings and tail.
Example Sentence 2
Ground personnel sprayed heated deice fluid on the wings before the flight departed.