Oblodzony

Oblodzony is an adjective in Polish describing surfaces or areas that are coated with ice. It denotes a layer of ice that forms on contact with moisture and freezing temperatures, and is frequently used in weather forecasts, safety notices, and everyday language to warn about hazards on roads, sidewalks, or equipment. The term emphasizes the presence of ice rather than merely cold temperatures.

Etymology and forms: the word is derived from the noun lód (ice) with the prefix ob- and the suffix -ony, yielding oblodzony meaning ice-covered. It agrees with gender and number (oblodzony, oblodzona, oblodzone; oblodzeni, oblodzone). The related noun oblodzenie denotes the process or state of icing.

Usage and nuance: oblodzony surfaces are dangerous due to reduced friction and traction. Conditions arise from freezing rain, wet surfaces that freeze, or dew that turns into ice. In meteorology and road safety, you may encounter phrases such as drogi oblodzone or chodniki oblodzone. It can describe not only roads and pavements but also equipment or railings that have become slick with ice. It is distinct from zamarznięty, which means frozen solid, and from szron, which refers to frost.

See also: oblodzenie, szron, zimno.