Frost

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Frost

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun and verb

Pronunciation

frost  /frɒst/

Definition

As a noun: a deposit of small white ice crystals formed on the ground or other surfaces when the temperature falls below freezing; a period of cold weather when frost forms. As a verb: to cover with frost or a frost-like substance; to put icing on a cake (American English).

Plain meaning

Frost is the white icy coating that forms on surfaces on cold clear nights. It also means to cover something with frost — or, in American English, to ice a cake.

Register

Neutral and standard. Poetic and evocative in literary use. Technical and precise in meteorological use.