small hail; ice pellets
Refers to small, pellet-like hail, distinct from larger hailstones (雹) and soft hail (雪あられ). Used in weather contexts.
See also: 雪あられ
Last night, ice pellets fell and accumulated white on the car hood.
The meteorological agency announced that ice pellets were observed.
Standard kanji spelling for 'ice pellets' or 'small hail'.
Mixed kanji-kana spelling; easier to read but less common in formal contexts.
Compound of 氷 (こおり, 'ice') and 霰 (あられ, 'hail'). The reading こおりあられ is a straightforward combination of the two elements.