black frost

noun

1. intense cold without hoarfrost, causing vegetation to turn black. Compare frost ( def 2 ).

black frost

noun

1. a frost without snow or rime that is severe enough to blacken vegetation

Word History and Origins

Origin of black frost¹

First recorded in 1700–10

Example Sentences

I opened the glass-door in the breakfast-room: the shrubbery was quite still: the black frost reigned, unbroken by sun or breeze, through the grounds.

From Literature

What happens to the corn plants and the luxuriant branching vines when the grain is harvested, the grapes gathered, and the black frost sets in, killing the fresh green life of the fields?

From Literature

White and black frost damage in the Breedekloof, Robertson and Worcester regions could also hurt the 2018 harvest.

From Reuters

White and black frost damage in the Breedekloof, Robertson and Worcester regions could also hurt the 2018 harvest.

From Reuters

Finally he was so close he felt the chill of Encanis’ passing and could spy places where he had set his hands and feet, for they were marked with a cold, black frost.

From Literature