black ice

noun

1. a thin sheet of ice, as on a road surface, usually caused by freezing mist and creating hazardous driving conditions.
2. Oceanography. sea ice that is clear enough to show the color of the water underneath.

black ice

noun

1. a thin transparent layer of new ice on a road or similar surface

Word History and Origins

Origin of black ice¹

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

Example Sentences

There were more than four hours of delays traveling down the mountain because of black ice, coach Robert Maxie said.

From Los Angeles Times

Train operator Northern, which is based in York and operates services across the North East, North West, Yorkshire and down into the Midlands, describes leaves as the “black ice of the railways”.

From BBC

“If a donkey is too comfortable it goes on black ice.”

From BBC

In Mississippi, the weather has prompted officials to warn drivers to "drive only if necessary" and "be aware of black ice" on the state's roads.

From BBC

New Yorkers have been warned that roads could be covered with black ice this weekend.

From Seattle Times