frostwork

[frawst-wurk, frost-]

noun

1. the delicate tracery formed by frost, especially on glass.

2. similar ornamentation, as on metal.

frostwork

/ ˈfrɒstˌwɜːk /

noun

1. the patterns made by frost on glass, metal, etc

2. similar artificial ornamentation

Word History and Origins

Origin of frostwork¹

First recorded in 1640–50; frost + work

Example Sentences

White knew it was really cold when the pisspot froze under his bed, just as I did – before we had central heating – when there was frostwork on the inside of the windows.

From The Guardian

Obstacles, insuperable to the intellect of any adviser, shall melt away like frostwork before a ray from the celestial sun.

From Project Gutenberg

The same is true of the silver frostwork traced on the window-pane by the delicate touch of invisible fingers.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a square, pleasant chamber, which commanded a splendid prospect from the east; curtains like frostwork, and a bed like snow, harmonized pleasantly with walls hung with satin paper of a delicate blue, and fine India matting with which the floor was covered.

From Project Gutenberg

On her head she wore a sort of crown made of pearls like the mistress's necklace that she thought so much of, and from under that fell a lace veil that looked like frostwork on a window, and covered her from head to foot.

From Project Gutenberg