Frost: meaning, definitions and examples
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frost
[frɒst ]
Definitions
cold weather
Frost is a thin layer of ice that forms on surfaces when the temperature drops below freezing. It is often seen on windows, plants, and the ground during cold weather.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| frost |
Use 'frost' when talking about a thin layer of ice crystals that forms on surfaces like windows and grass, usually due to cooling. It's often associated with cold mornings or fall weather.
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| ice |
Ice is the most general term for frozen water and is used in many contexts, from weather to drinks, and even roads. It's solid water and can form naturally or be created artificially.
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| hoarfrost |
Use 'hoarfrost' when referring to a specific kind of frost that forms when water vapor deposits directly as ice without becoming liquid first. It usually creates beautiful, feathery ice crystals on surfaces.
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| freeze |
The word 'freeze' is best used when describing the process of becoming solid due to low temperatures, applicable to both weather and objects or substances.
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Examples of usage
- The windows were covered in frost this morning.
- The frost on the ground made it slippery to walk.
cold and unfriendly attitude
Frost can also refer to a cold and unfriendly attitude or manner towards someone. It implies a lack of warmth or friendliness in interactions.
Synonyms
aloofness, chilliness, coldness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| frost |
Frost is best used to describe the thin layer of ice that forms on surfaces when the temperature drops below freezing. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses.
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| chilliness |
Chilliness describes a slight feeling of coldness, usually in the air or in a person's demeanor. It can be used for both physical sensations and metaphorical contexts.
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| coldness |
Coldness can refer to a low temperature or a lack of warmth in behavior. It often has a negative tone when describing a person's emotional state, suggesting unfriendliness or lack of compassion.
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| aloofness |
Aloofness is mostly used to describe someone who appears distant, reserved, or uninterested in social interactions. It often has a negative connotation, implying that the person may be unfriendly or detached.
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Examples of usage
- She greeted me with a frost in her voice.
- The frost in the room was palpable.
to cover with frost
To frost something means to cover it with a thin layer of ice or frost. This can be done intentionally for decorative purposes, as in frosting a cake or window.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| frost |
Frost occurs when the temperature drops to or below the freezing point, causing a thin layer of ice to form on surfaces. This term is generally used to describe early morning conditions in spring or fall.
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| ice |
Ice pertains to frozen water in general, found naturally in cold weather or artificially made. It is a common term used to describe solid water in a variety of contexts including drinks, roads, and natural bodies of water.
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| glaze |
Glaze usually describes a thin, shiny layer of ice that forms on surfaces such as roads or trees, often after freezing rain. It has a specific application in meteorology and food contexts but can sometimes have a negative connotation due to causing hazardous conditions.
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| freeze |
Freeze refers to the process of becoming solid due to cold temperatures. It can describe both weather conditions and actions, such as freezing liquids. It is often used in a broad sense.
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Examples of usage
- She frosted the cake with white icing.
- The cold weather frosted the car windows overnight.
Interesting Facts
Weather Phenomena
- Frost forms when the temperature drops below freezing, causing moisture in the air to freeze on surfaces.
- There are different types of frost, such as hoarfrost, which looks like white, feathery crystals, and rime frost, which forms on cold surfaces exposed to the wind.
Botany
- Frost can damage plants, especially tender ones, by causing water inside their cells to freeze, leading to cell rupture.
- Certain hardy plants, like winter crops, can survive light frosts, adapting by entering a dormant state.
Cultural References
- Frost is a popular subject in literature, symbolizing both beauty and hardship, often representing challenges in life.
- Many cultures celebrate the first frost of winter with festivals, noting its significance in the change of seasons and agriculture.
Science
- Frost formation is a physical process involving condensation and freezing, as water vapor in the air transforms directly into ice.
- Research shows that frost can form even on clear nights, where lack of clouds allows heat to escape, making surfaces colder.
Art and Aesthetics
- Artists often depict frost in paintings and photography, capturing the intricate patterns and ephemeral beauty it creates.
- Frost patterns can inspire modern design, where the delicate aesthetics of frost are mirrored in textiles and graphic design.
Translations
Translations of the word "frost" in other languages:
🇵🇹 geada
🇮🇳 जमी हुई धुंध
🇩🇪 Frost
🇮🇩 embun beku
🇺🇦 іней
🇵🇱 szron
🇯🇵 霜（しも）
🇫🇷 gel
🇪🇸 escarcha
🇹🇷 don
🇰🇷 서리
🇸🇦 صقيع
🇨🇿 mráz
🇸🇰 mráz
🇨🇳 霜
🇸🇮 slana
🇮🇸 frost
🇰🇿 қатқыл
🇬🇪 ყინვა
🇦🇿 şehri
🇲🇽 escarcha