cold frame
1
4.9
- noun
- /koʊld freɪm/
- Specialized
:
marco frío
- A cold frame is essential for starting plants in cooler weather, providing shelter and warmth.
- cold frame and greenhouse
- plants in the cold frame
- a simple cold frame
Examples
-
Maybe this year I'll finally get the cold frames built.
Blog text (12) -
Well, Muriel's already started the cold frame, but I do need to transplant my broccoli and my lettuce and that cauliflower you love so well.
-
Have your husband build you a cold frame for your plant starts.
Blog text (20) -
With cold frames outside, I can plant well into December.
Fiction book (1990) -
This year, John and I have built a cold frame, and I'm going to see how long I can extend my growing season.
Blog text (18) -
We'll have brick cold frames with the the white matching windows that you can pop up.
-
The smaller one will go in another cold frame, and the largest will get a fleece cover.
Blog text (16) -
We also ate with the seasons and grew herbs in a cold frame in our yard.
Blog text (14) -
The large agaves will mainly be in the other cold frame as it means I don't have to move them.
Blog text (16) -
In early spring, gardeners use a cold frame to protect seedlings from frost while allowing sunlight in.
Synonyms
133
2.3
A building with glass walls and roof where people grow plants
1
3.3
A building with glass walls and roof for growing plants and keeping them warm
Antonyms
How Protective
11
4.8
133
2.3
- Specialized
1
4.9
- Specialized
4
3.7
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound is compositionally predictable: 'cold' specifies the environmental condition and 'frame' denotes a structural object, so a learner who knows both words can infer it is a frame used in cold conditions (i.e., to protect plants). This follows a common noun-compound pattern and is therefore readily understandable even if the learner lacks horticultural specifics.
Etymology
Cold frame comes from the simple image of a low frame or box with a clear top that gardeners put over young plants to trap sunlight and keep out the cold. That's why it means 'a low box with a clear glass or plastic top used to protect plants from cold'.