An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Precipitation in the form of → transparent or → translucent ice → pellets that are 5 mm or less in diameter, created by the freezing of rain as it falls (distinguished from hail).

Etymology (EN): M.E. slete; akin to M.H.G. sloz, M.L.G. sloten (plural) “hail.”

Etymology (PE): Tangar, from Gilaki tangar “fine hail.”