frostwork

[ frawst-wurk, frost- ]

noun

1. the delicate tracery formed by frost, especially on glass.
2. similar ornamentation, as on metal.

frostwork

/ ˈfrɒstˌwɜːk /

noun

1. the patterns made by frost on glass, metal, etc
2. similar artificial ornamentation

Word History and Origins

Origin of frostwork¹

First recorded in 1640–50; frost + work

Example Sentences

White knew it was really cold when the pisspot froze under his bed, just as I did – before we had central heating – when there was frostwork on the inside of the windows.

From The Guardian

Obstacles, insuperable to the intellect of any adviser, shall melt away like frostwork before a ray from the celestial sun.

From Project Gutenberg

The same is true of the silver frostwork traced on the window-pane by the delicate touch of invisible fingers.

From Project Gutenberg

When they are real, they are not glass threads or frostwork, but the solidest thing we know.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a square, pleasant chamber, which commanded a splendid prospect from the east; curtains like frostwork, and a bed like snow, harmonized pleasantly with walls hung with satin paper of a delicate blue, and fine India matting with which the floor was covered.

From Project Gutenberg