frost-forming
|frost-form-ing|
🇺🇸
/ˈfrɔstˌfɔrmɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˈfrɒstˌfɔːmɪŋ/
producing frost
Etymology
'frost-forming' is a Modern English compound formed from the noun 'frost' and the present-participle form of the verb 'form' ('forming'). 'frost' comes from Old English 'forst' meaning 'frost', and 'form' comes ultimately from Latin 'forma' meaning 'shape' (via Old French and Middle English).
'frost' was used in Old English as 'forst' (and in related Germanic languages) and continued into Middle and Modern English as 'frost'; 'form' entered English from Latin 'forma' through Old French 'forme' and Middle English, and the present-participle construction (noun + -forming) became a productive Modern English way to make adjectives and nouns (e.g. 'ice-forming', 'frost-forming').
Initially the components meant 'frost' and 'to give shape or produce'; combined in Modern English they specifically mean 'producing frost' or 'that causes frost to form', a literal compound sense formed by productive compounding.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the process or instance of frost forming (used when referring to occurrence of frost).
The frost-forming on the windshield was heavier than the forecast suggested.
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Adjective 1
causing, producing, or likely to produce frost; that forms frost.
On clear, calm nights, frost-forming surfaces can damage young plants.
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Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/29 15:22