frost heave

American  

noun

Geology.

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

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frost heave British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of frost heave

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

For instance, if you live in a cold climate, you might find that the pier is required to extend below the frost line of the house so that a frost heave doesn't occur.

From US News • Jun. 30, 2014

For those who don't speak deck, a pier is a component that supports a deck, and a frost heave happens when ice causes your soil to swell during freezing conditions.

From US News • Jun. 30, 2014

As Miyax rolled to a sitting position, the owl scooped his wings up, braked, and dropped onto an exceptionally large frost heave.

From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George

Discouraged, she wriggled backward down the frost heave and arrived at her camp feet first.

From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George

Quickly she climbed the frost heave, lay down, and looked at the wolves.

From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George