ice-breaking1
/ˈʌɪsˌbreɪkɪŋ/noun
The action or process of breaking ice or of breaking through the ice.
Origin
Early 19th century. From ice + breaking. Compare to break the ice, ice-breaker, ice-breaking.
ice-breaking2
/ˈʌɪsˌbreɪkɪŋ/adjective
That breaks (though) the ice. Frequently in extended use, especially: that breaks through cold reserve or stiffness, facilitating conversation or social ease.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in Canadian Magazine. From ice + breaking.