frazil

noun

fra·​zil

ˈfrazəl,

frəˈzil

variants or frazil ice

plural -s

: ice crystals or granules sometimes resembling slush that are formed in turbulent water

Word History

Etymology

Canadian French frasil, frazil, fraisil, from French fraisil coal cinders, alteration of Old French faisil, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin facilis, from Latin fac-, fax torch + -ilis -ile

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!