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.
Phrases and idioms:
black 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.
Derivatives:
frostless adj.
Etymology: OE f. Gmc