frɔst n. & v. --n. 1 a (also
white frost) a white
frozen dew coating esp.
the ground at
night (windows covered
with frost). b a
consistent temperature below freezing-point causing frost to
form. 2 a chilling dispiriting
atmosphere. 3 sl. a
failure. --v. 1 intr. (usu. foll. by
over, up)
become covered with frost. 2 tr. a
cover with or as if with frost,
powder, etc. b
injure (a
plant etc.) with frost. 3 tr.
give a roughened or finely granulated
surface to (glass, metal) (frosted glass). 4 tr. US cover or
decorate (a
cake etc.) with
icing. øblack frost a frost
without white dew. degrees of frost
Brit. degrees below freezing-point (ten degrees of frost tonight). frost-work
tracery made by frost on
glass etc. øøfrostless adj. [OE f. Gmc]