Pronunciation: [vˈɜːɡləz] (IPA) 
Verglas, a French word meaning "glaze ice," is spelled with a silent letter "s" at the end. The IPA phonetic transcription for verglas is /vɛʁ.ɡlɑ/. The "s" in verglas is not pronounced due to the silent letter rule in French spelling. In English, however, the spelling is given pronunciation by the combination of the "s" and "g" sounds, giving it a different pronunciation compared to the silent "s" in French.
Verglas is a term that refers to a type of ice formation that occurs on surfaces, typically on rocks, trees, or other objects exposed to freezing temperatures and precipitation. It is derived from the French word "ver" meaning green and "glas" meaning ice.
Verglas occurs when rain, drizzle, or fog moisture comes into contact with a below-freezing surface, resulting in the immediate freezing of the liquid into a layer of ice. This ice can be relatively transparent or translucent, providing the appearance of a glaze or coating, hence the name verglas. The formation of verglas can happen rapidly and without prior warning, making it a significant hazardous condition, particularly for outdoor activities such as mountaineering or hiking.
The presence of verglas can significantly impact traction and stability on affected surfaces, making it extremely slippery and treacherous to navigate. It can also accumulate and add extra weight to trees and structures, potentially causing damage or collapse. In aviation, verglas poses a significant risk, as it can adhere to aircraft surfaces, including wings and fuselage, impacting the aircraft's aerodynamics and safety.
Due to the potential dangers associated with verglas, it is important to exercise caution and take necessary precautions when encountering such conditions, such as wearing appropriate footwear with good grip and using crampons or other ice-gripping devices. Additionally, road and weather conditions should be carefully monitored, as verglas can create hazardous driving conditions, leading to accidents and traffic disruptions.
The word "verglas" is derived from the Middle French term "verglace", which comes from the Old French word "verglaz". In turn, "verglaz" is derived from the Old Frankish term "glaç", meaning "ice". This Old Frankish word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*glas", which also meant "ice" or "glass". The etymology of "verglas" thus reveals its origins in Old Frankish and its connection to the wider Germanic language family.
