frost heave

noun

Geology.

1. an uplift in soil caused by the freezing of internal moisture.

frost heave

noun

1. Also called: frost heaving. the upthrust and cracking of a ground surface through the freezing and expansion of water underneath

Word History and Origins

Origin of frost heave¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The land yacht surged and swayed over frost heaves at 65 m.p.h., each bump nudging the seemingly physics-defying craft as it hurtled down the highway.

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New Hampshire’s potholes, frost heaves and icy patches offer challenges equal to any bucking bronco or raging bull.

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Her odyssey in late summer, sleeping in frost heaves, learning to approach the wolves on four legs, eating meat they bring her, changed my thinking about what a girl could be.

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At the top of her frost heave, she froze in her tracks.

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Its coddling suspension mercifully shrugs off frost heaves.

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