frost heave

noun

: an upthrust of ground or pavement caused by freezing of moist soil

called also frost heaving

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Do: Check perennials for frost heave. Beth Botts, chicagotribune.com, 21 Mar. 2021 While the material is more flexible, extreme heat can cause a bump similar to a frost heave, Meyer said. Tim Harlow, Star Tribune, 10 June 2021 One big project — addressing what appear as fierce frost heaves on Chief Eddie Hoffman Highway, one of the main roads through town — is still short on answers. Lisa Demer, Anchorage Daily News, 7 July 2017 In the Northeast, earth resettles after freezing and thawing, a phenomenon known as frost heave. Nathaniel Penn, Popular Mechanics, 3 June 2019 There are crews on both sides of the border continuously filling in potholes and regrading stretches of road damaged by frost heaves. Scott Mcmurren, Anchorage Daily News, 19 May 2018 As Kooser reports, frost heave is capable of moving even roads and buildings. Julissa Treviño, Smithsonian, 9 Mar. 2018 The agency is also trying to understand what's causing fierce frost heaving on the Chief Eddie Hoffman Highway in Bethel in Southwest. Alex Demarban, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Mar. 2018 Of 141 sites along the road already analyzed, 24 percent are considered to be in poor condition, at risk for landslides or debris flow problems, rock falls, frost heaves or severe erosion, the plan says. Yereth Rosen, Alaska Dispatch News, 1 Sep. 2017 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'frost heave.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of frost heave was in 1853

Dictionary Entries Near frost heave

Cite this Entry

“Frost heave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frost%20heave. Accessed 30 May. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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