icebreaker \ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷\noun 1.: an ice apron or other structure that protects a bridge pier from floating ice 2.: a ship designed or equipped (as with a reinforced bow) to make and maintain a channel through the ice 3.: the right whale of the arctic 4.: something that breaks the ice on a project or social occasion < pictures of girls … intended as an icebreaker between us and the French officers — Nathaniel Benchley > specifically: mixer 1c