What is precipitation that freezes on contact with the ground called?

Precipitation that freezes on contact with the ground is referred to as freezing rain. This occurs when rain falls through a layer of warm air above the surface and then encounters a layer of cold air at or just above the ground. As the raindrops reach the cold surface, they immediately freeze upon contact, forming a glaze of ice. This phenomenon is particularly hazardous as it can create slick road conditions and lead to significant accumulations of ice on surfaces, potentially causing damage and dangerous situations for both pedestrians and drivers.

The other types of precipitation mentioned, such as hail, sleet, and snow, have different characteristics and formation processes. Hail is formed in strong thunderstorms and consists of balls or irregular lumps of ice. Sleet refers to small ice pellets that form when rain freezes as it falls through a cold layer of air, but it does not freeze upon contact with the ground in the same manner as freezing rain. Snow is composed of ice crystals that form in colder atmospheric conditions and falls as snowflakes rather than liquid droplets that freeze on impact. Hence, freezing rain is the correct term for precipitation that freezes immediately when it strikes the ground.