Pronunciation: [ɹˈa͡ɪm] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "rime" can be confusing because it can also be written as "rhyme". The difference lies in the pronunciation, with "rime" being pronounced as /raɪm/ and "rhyme" as /raɪm/. The spelling with "h" comes from its origin in Old English, but the spelling without the "h" is also accepted. "Rime" refers to frost that forms on surfaces, while "rhyme" refers to the repetition of sounds in words, usually in poetry or songs.
Rime refers to a phenomenon of ice formation characterized by a thin coating or deposit of ice crystals on a surface. It occurs when supercooled water droplets freeze rapidly upon contact with a solid object, such as trees, branches, or other exposed structures in cold weather conditions. Rime is usually seen in regions with low temperatures and high humidity, frequently occurring in mountainous or coastal areas.
The formation of rime is distinct from frost because it involves ice crystals directly adhering to an object without passing through a liquid phase. These ice crystals accumulate and grow, creating a white, frost-like appearance on the surface. Rime can possess a feathery or spiky texture, giving it a unique and picturesque quality. Wind blown rime may also cause the formation of long, delicate icicles.
The word "rime" is derived from the Old English term "hrīm," which means "frost" or "hoar frost." It is often used interchangeably with other terms like "hoarfrost" or "frost rime." Rime can have significant implications, particularly for transportation and outdoor activities, as it can create hazardous conditions by coating surfaces with a slippery layer of ice. However, its presence can also be aesthetically pleasing, adding a delicate, wintry charm to natural landscapes or architecture.
Hoar-frost; congealed dew or vapour.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "rime" has two distinct etymological origins and meanings.
1. As a noun meaning "a coating of ice" or "frost", the term originated from the Old English word "hrīm", which in turn derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*hrīmaz". This word is related to the Old Norse "hrīm" and the Old High German "rīm", all carrying the same meaning of "frost" or "ice". The ultimate origin of this word is uncertain.
2. As a noun meaning "poetry", "verse", or "rhyme", the term comes from the Middle English word "rime", which is a shortened form of the Old French word "rime" or "rithme".
