diamond dust
- noun
- /ˈdaɪəˌmənd dʌst/
- UK
:
polvo de diamante
- Pilots must be cautious as diamond dust can reduce visibility in the Arctic.
Examples
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A faint shimmer of diamond dust floated above the snowy field at sunrise.
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On a clear winter morning, diamond dust can make the air look almost magical.
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Look at the diamond dust!
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The morning air was filled with diamond dust.
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A faint shimmer of diamond dust floated above the snowy field at sunrise.
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On a clear winter morning, diamond dust can make the air look almost magical.
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The morning air was filled with diamond dust, creating a mesmerizing sparkle in the sunlight.
Synonyms
4
2.8
A small piece of frozen water that forms in clouds, snow, or frost
A thin fog made of tiny pieces of ice in very cold air
A thin cloud of tiny ice crystals in the air that reduces visibility
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase combines 'diamond' (a sparkly gemstone) + 'dust' (tiny particles), so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it means very fine particles with a diamond-like sparkle or appearance. This compound follows a common noun+noun composition pattern (a type of dust) and is cross-linguistically transparent, even if speakers may not know whether it is literal diamond particles or glittery imitation.
Etymology
Diamond dust comes from tiny ice crystals near the ground that sparkle like little diamonds on cold, clear days. That's why it means 'very small ice crystals' and why the air can look glittery.