Frost
/frɔːst/
Definitions
3 meaningsA covering of ice crystals formed by the freezing of water vapor in the air.
/frɔːst/
The formation of ice crystals on a surface.
The frost covered the cars in a shimmering layer.
💡 Simply: Imagine waking up and seeing a sparkly, white layer on everything outside. That's frost! It's like the air is so cold, the water in the air freezes and turns into tiny ice crystals.
👶 For kids: When it's super cold, like when you see ice, sometimes you can see tiny ice crystals on the grass. That's called frost!
More Examples
We had a hard frost last night and the plants are suffering.
The farmer checked his crops to see if there was any frost damage.
How It's Used
"A hard frost covered the fields this morning."
"The frost killed off many of the tender plants."
To cover or coat (something) with a thin layer, typically of ice crystals or a sweet topping.
/frɔːst/
To cover (something) with frost or a frosting.
He frosted the cake with chocolate buttercream.
💡 Simply: When you 'frost' something, you're putting a pretty layer on it. Think of frosting a cake with a sweet, creamy topping, or maybe a window that's frosted with ice.
👶 For kids: To frost something means to put a yummy sugary cover on it, like frosting on a cake!
More Examples
The windows were frosted over, preventing us from seeing outside.
The baker frosted the cookies with colorful sprinkles.
How It's Used
"She frosted the cupcakes with a vanilla buttercream."
"The artist frosted the glass to create a more diffused look."
A state of coldness or hostility, often emotional or social in nature.
/frɔːst/
A cold, hostile atmosphere or feeling.
A frost developed between the partners after a disagreement over profits.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, there's a 'frost' between people, meaning things are cold and unfriendly. Like after a disagreement, there might be a frosty atmosphere where no one wants to talk.
👶 For kids: When people are mad at each other or not talking, it's like a cold feeling, like frost, between them.
More Examples
There was a noticeable frost in the air at the family gathering.
The icy frost of her disapproval was palpable.
How It's Used
"There was a frost in the air between the two colleagues after the argument."
"A chill of frost settled over the relationship."
Idioms & expressions
frost over
To become covered with frost.
"The windows frosted over during the night."
From Old English *frost*, from Proto-Germanic *frustaz* (compare German Frost, Dutch vorst). Related to the verb 'freeze'.
Used since Old English times to describe ice crystals on surfaces.
Memory tip
Think of the cold air and the icy crystals on a surface.
Word Origin
"The state of freezing."