Frost: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

• There was a thick frost on the car windows this morning
• The grass was covered in frost, making it sparkle in the sunlight

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.

• Be careful, the sidewalk is covered in ice
• Can you add some ice to my drink, please?

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.

• The trees were covered in hoarfrost, giving the forest a magical look
• Hoarfrost formed on the grass, making it look like a winter wonderland

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.

• If the temperature drops tonight, the lake might freeze
• I had to freeze the leftovers so they wouldn't spoil

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.

• The frost covered the windows overnight.
• There was a frostiness in his tone that made me uncomfortable.

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.

• There was a chilliness in the room after the window was left open.
• I sensed a chilliness in her response that made me uneasy.

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.

• The coldness of the winter morning was unbearable.
• Her coldness towards her family was surprising.

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.

• Her aloofness made it difficult to approach her.
• He maintained an aloofness that kept everyone at a distance.

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.

• There was a light frost on the grass this morning
• Frost covered the windshield, making it hard to drive

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.

• The river was covered with thick ice
• Can I get some ice for my soda, please?

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.

• Freezing rain overnight left a dangerous glaze on the roads
• The cake had a sweet glaze that made it look delicious

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.

• The pond will freeze over during the winter
• Be sure to bring your plants inside so they don’t freeze