FREEZING RAIN Meaning and
Definition
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Freezing rain is a type of precipitation that occurs when raindrops fall through a layer of subfreezing air near the Earth's surface, causing them to freeze upon impact with the ground or objects on the ground. It is characterized by the formation of a thin, transparent or translucent coating of ice on surfaces, often referred to as "glaze."
Freezing rain is formed when there is a relatively warm layer of air aloft, above the subfreezing surface layer. As raindrops fall from the warmer air into the colder layer near the ground, they become supercooled, meaning they remain in a liquid state despite the subfreezing temperatures. When these supercooled droplets reach the ground or objects at or below freezing, they rapidly freeze, resulting in an icy coating.
This weather phenomenon poses various hazards, as the ice accumulation created by freezing rain can make surfaces extremely slippery, leading to hazardous driving and walking conditions. It can also cause damage to trees, power lines, and other structures, as the weight of the ice buildup may become too much to bear.
Meteorologists often issue warnings and advisories ahead of freezing rain events to alert the public and allow for necessary precautions. It is important to take preventive measures during freezing rain conditions, such as using sand or salt to improve traction on slippery surfaces and ensuring the removal of ice from power lines to prevent disruptions.
Etymology of FREEZING RAIN
The word "freezing rain" has a straightforward etymology. The term is composed of two parts: "freezing" and "rain".
The word "freezing" originates from the Old English word "freosan", which means "to freeze" or "to become frozen". Over time, it developed into "fresen" in Middle English and eventually evolved into the modern English term "freeze".
On the other hand, "rain" comes from the Old English word "regn", which means "rain" or "precipitation from the sky". This term remained fairly consistent throughout the evolution of the English language.
When these two words are combined, "freezing rain" simply refers to raindrops that fall from the sky when the temperature is below freezing point, causing them to freeze upon contact with surfaces, leading to the formation of a glaze of ice.
