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

In neighbouring Hungary, where severe winter conditions have affected a large part of the country since last week, Budapest airport was shut down because of "black ice and extreme icing", the airport said.

From Barron's

Most of the UK remains under a weather warning for snow and ice on Saturday, the Met Office national weather agency said, warning that black ice could cause "disruption" in Scotland and northern England.

From Barron's

The AA urged drivers to take "extreme care" due to the risk of black ice, after nine children were injured in a collision between a school coach and a bus in Reading on Wednesday.

From BBC

Almost half of mainland France was on alert for heavy snow and black ice, with lorries banned from the roads in some areas.

From BBC

All public bus services in Paris and the surrounding suburbs were also suspended because of icy roads, with almost half of the country's mainland on alert for heavy snow and black ice.

From Barron's