Hoarfrost: meaning, definitions and examples

❄️
Add to dictionary

hoarfrost

 

[ ˈhɔːrfrɒst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

weather phenomenon

Hoarfrost is a deposit of ice crystals that forms on objects outside when the air is cold and moist. It is often seen on trees, grass, and other surfaces during the early morning hours.

Synonyms

frost, ice crystals, rime

Examples of usage

  • The hoarfrost on the branches glistened in the morning sunlight.
  • The delicate hoarfrost covered the window panes like a lace curtain.

Translations

Translations of the word "hoarfrost" in other languages:

🇵🇹 geada

🇮🇳 पाला

🇩🇪 Rauh

🇮🇩 embun beku

🇺🇦 іній

🇵🇱 szron

🇯🇵 霜 (しも)

🇫🇷 givre

🇪🇸 escarcha

🇹🇷 kırağı

🇰🇷 서리

🇸🇦 صقيع

🇨🇿 jinovatka

🇸🇰 srieň

🇨🇳 霜 (shuāng)

🇸🇮 ivje

🇮🇸 hrím

🇰🇿 қырау

🇬🇪 ყინვა

🇦🇿 şaxta

🇲🇽 escarcha

Etymology

The word 'hoarfrost' dates back to Old English, where 'hoar' meant gray or white with age, and 'frost' referred to frozen dew. The term has been used for centuries to describe the beautiful phenomenon of ice crystals forming on surfaces during cold weather.

See also: defrost, frost, frostiness, frosting, frosty.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,462, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.