noun
bleak winter season
Rare literary term for the cold, desolate period when frost withers plants. Evokes a poetic, wintry scene.
霜枯れ時の野山は、もの悲しい風情がある。
The fields and hills in the bleak winter season have a melancholy atmosphere.
noun
off season; dead season; slack period
Rare figurative use for a period of inactivity or low demand, especially in business or seasonal work.
この時期は観光業にとって霜枯れ時だ。
This period is the off season for the tourism industry.