black ice

American  

noun

1. a thin sheet of ice, as on a road surface, usually caused by freezing mist and creating hazardous driving conditions.

2. Oceanography.  sea ice that is clear enough to show the color of the water underneath.

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black ice British  

noun

1. a thin transparent layer of new ice on a road or similar surface

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Etymology

Origin of black ice

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

Example Sentences

More than 40 pupils from Cross and Passion College in Ballycastle were on board when their bus slid on black ice on the Coolkeeran Road near Armoy and hit a wall.

From BBC

There were more than four hours of delays traveling down the mountain because of black ice, coach Robert Maxie said.

From Los Angeles Times

Train operator Northern, which is based in York and operates services across the North East, North West, Yorkshire and down into the Midlands, describes leaves as the “black ice of the railways”.

From BBC

“If a donkey is too comfortable it goes on black ice.”

From BBC

In Mississippi, the weather has prompted officials to warn drivers to "drive only if necessary" and "be aware of black ice" on the state's roads.

From BBC