Graupel

sleet; soft hail (small ice pellets)

noun GROW-pel Rare

Usage Note

Graupel (f, mostly plural Graupeln) refers to small, soft ice pellets that form when supercooled droplets freeze onto snowflakes. Distinct from Hagel (hail), which is harder, and from Schneeflocken (snowflakes).

Examples

"Der Wetterdienst warnte vor Graupel und glatten Straßen."

Natural Translation

The weather service warned of sleet and icy roads.

Literal Translation

The weather service warned of sleet and slippery roads.

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