frit

plural frits

1. countableuncountableA pre-fused ceramic mixture used to make glass and glazes.
2. countableuncountablearchaeologySuch material used in the manufacture of ceramic beads and small ornaments. (eastern Mediterranean; Bronze and Iron Age)
3. countableuncountableSuch material that is resistant to melting and used to physically support objects in a crucible.
4. countableuncountableA material, whether ceramic, plastic or some other material, that is used for support in chemical apparatus.
5. countableuncountableAny of many black enamel dots baked in a graded pattern onto the glass around the edge of a windshield.

   Made from ceramic paint baked directly into the glass, frits help bond the windscreen to the vehicle by providing a textured surface for adhesives and shielding them from damaging UV rays.

   2025 May 6, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Fact Frenzy on X

present singular third person frits · participle present fritting · participle past fritted · past fritted

1. To add frit to a glass or ceramic mixture
2. To prepare by heat (the materials for making glass); to fuse partially.

   equal parts of the calcined and roasted ore, of ground flints and potash, are fritted together and then fused

   1831, Benjamin Silliman, Elements of Chemistry

comparative more frit · superlative most frit

1. UKespeciallyregionalgovernmentFrightened.

   The right hon. Gentleman is afraid of an election, is he? Afraid? Frightened? Frit? Could not take it? Cannot stand it? If I were going to cut and run, I should have gone after the Falklands.

   1983 Margaret Thatcher, Prime minister's questions, 19 April

   1 more example

   “We shoulder life. We know its ins and outs. We've felt the draught at either end of it. What you're most frit of, that's our bread and jam, and none of us ain't got no time to spare on ignorant, bad-mannered little boys.”

   2016, Alan Moore, Jerusalem, Liveright, published 2016, page 272

plural frits

1. UKderogatorygovernmentA politician who does not perform some action (for example answering a question or calling a vote) out of fear of losing.

   Why are you not going to bother? You are scared? You are a frit? Is that the problem?

   2022, Peter Fortune, “Impact of ULEZ expansion and road charging (Supplementary)”, in Questions to the Mayor (London Assembly)

plural frits

1. A frit fly.