icebreaker

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

icebreaker
    n 1: a ship with a reinforced bow to break up ice and keep
         channels open for navigation [syn: {icebreaker}, {iceboat}]
    2: a beginning that relaxes a tense or formal atmosphere; "he
       told jokes as an icebreaker"

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

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]

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)

icebreaker

   <security, jargon> A program designed for cracking security on
   a system.

   See also: {ICE}.

   [{Jargon File}]

   (2000-03-18)

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