frazil

American  

[frey-zuhl, fraz-uhl, fruh-zeel, -zil] / ˈfreɪ zəl, ˈfræz əl, frəˈzil, -ˈzɪl /

noun

1. ice crystals formed in turbulent water, as in swift streams or rough seas.

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frazil British  

/ ˈfreɪzɪl /

noun

1. small pieces of ice that form in water moving turbulently enough to prevent the formation of a sheet of ice

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Etymology

Origin of frazil

An Americanism first recorded in 1885–90; from Canadian French frasil, frazil, fraisil, French fraisil “coal cinders,” Old French faisil

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

frazil

In that state, small crystals known as frazil ice can begin to form.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 29, 2026

You come to me—a mere frazil of what I once was—when there is no hope of ever regaining my youth and self-respect—and tell me—oh, my God!—tell me that I believed you instead of her!

From Ann Boyd by Will N. (Will Nathaniel) Harben

But in the bitterest winter it was never frozen further than to form surging masses of frazil ice that would neither let a canoe push through them, nor yet support the weight of a man.

From The La Chance Mine Mystery by George W. Gage