frostbow

noun

: a white arc in the sky that occurs in frosty weather and is formed by reflection of sunlight from floating ice crystals : the parhelic circle that has its center at the zenith and is not to be confused with the white rainbow

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of frostbow was in 1841

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!

Dictionary Entries Near frostbow

Cite this Entry

“Frostbow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frostbow. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!