DCHP-1 Online
ice-storm † 
1 n. See quote.
- 1886 By repeated thawings and regelations the boughs and branches are gradually loaded with ice and snow. . . . Should one [tree] be overthrown it collides against its neighbour, and this in turn falls upon another, until shortly the trees are seen crashing to the ground in all directions. This is what is known in North America as an ice-storm.
2 n. a freezing rain that covers all exposed surfaces with glistening ice.
See also: silver thaw (def. 1)
- 1955 She takes off all the make-up and slaps a quart of cold cream over her face so that trying to plant a kiss is like trying to drive your car around a 90-degree turn during an ice-storm--you're due for one heck of a skid.
- 1965 Nearly every cloud has a silver lining and Sunday's ice-storm was no exception.
- 1886 By repeated thawings and regelations the boughs and branches are gradually loaded with ice and snow. . . . Should one [tree] be overthrown it collides against its neighbour, and this in turn falls upon another, until shortly the trees are seen crashing to the ground in all directions. This is what is known in North America as an ice-storm.