hoarfrost

[ hawr-frawst, -frost, hohr- ]

noun

1. frost ( def 2 ).

hoarfrost

/ ˈhɔːˌfrɒst /

noun

1. a deposit of needle-like ice crystals formed on the ground by direct condensation at temperatures below freezing point Also calledwhite frost

hoarfrost

/ hôr′frôst′ /

1. Frozen dew that forms a white coating on a surface.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoarfrost¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, hoarfrost is from the Middle English word hor-frost. See hoar, frost

Example Sentences

She crossed the castle-yard to the wood-cellar, her steps printing the thick hoarfrost.

From Project Gutenberg

Not till I saw what looked like hoarfrost dropping from the side of the Fall was the problem explained.

From Project Gutenberg

The sun had climbed the sky, burning up the hoarfrost and mist, so that the houses opposite had become clearly discernible.

From Project Gutenberg

Only the hoarfrost-resisting flower, as the Chinese call the chrysanthemum, is undimmed, the Chinamen's coats as gay.

From Project Gutenberg

Birds awoke in the woods, and hoarfrost lay white on the crisped grasses.

From Project Gutenberg