Pronunciation: [mˈɔːɹɒz] (IPA) 
The word "moroz" is commonly used in Russian to refer to frost. It is spelled with the Russian Cyrillic alphabet as мороз. The phonetic transcription of this word is [mɐˈroz]. The first sound, [m], is the consonant "m" and is unaspirated. The second sound, [ɐ], is the unstressed vowel "uh". The third sound, [ˈroz], consists of two syllables with the stress falling on the second syllable. The final sound, [z], is the voiced consonant "z".
Moroz is a noun that originated from Russian folklore and is commonly used in Russian and Slavic cultures. It refers to a mythical character known as Frost, the personification of cold, freezing weather, and winter. In folklore, Moroz is often depicted as a powerful and sometimes malevolent being who controls the freezing temperatures and brings snow and ice during the winter months.
Typically, Moroz is portrayed as an old man with a long white beard and hair, wearing a long coat made of ice crystals. He is accompanied by a magical staff, which he uses to create frost and freeze everything he touches. Moroz is believed to live in faraway, remote areas where it is always cold, and is said to be the ruler of a frosty realm.
In Russian customs and traditions, Moroz is closely associated with the winter holiday season, especially New Year's and Christmas. He is often featured in fairy tales, songs, and children's stories, where he either plays a benevolent role or as a character to be feared. Many people, especially children, eagerly await the arrival of Moroz during the holiday season, as it is believed that his presence brings the enchantment of winter and the possibility of magical experiences.
The etymology of the word "moroz" can be traced back to Old East Slavic. It comes from the Proto-Slavic word *morzъ, meaning "bitter cold" or "frost". This term has cognates in other Slavic languages, such as Russian "moroz" (мороз), Ukrainian "moroz" (мороз), and Polish "mróz". The word ultimately has Indo-European roots, likely stemming from the Proto-Indo-European root *mers-, meaning "to go stiff" or "to freeze".
