Mist is a phenomenon caused by small droplets of water suspended in the cold air, usually by condensation. Physically, it is an example of a dispersion. It is most commonly seen where water vapor in warm, moist air meets sudden cooling, such as in exhaled air in the winter, or when throwing water onto the hot stove of a sauna. It can be created artificially with aerosol canisters if the humidity and temperature conditions are right. It can also occur as part of natural weather, when humid air cools rapidly, notably when the air comes into contact with surfaces that are much cooler than the air.

ഭൂമിയുടെ ഉപരിതലത്തോടു് ചേർന്നു് കാണാറുള്ള കട്ടികൂടിയ മഞ്ഞാണു് കോടമഞ്ഞ്. ഇതിനെ കോട എന്നും പറയാറുണ്ടു്. പശ്ചിമഘട്ടത്തിൽ വ്യാപകമായി കാണാറുള്ളതിനാൽ കേരളീയർക്കു് കോടമഞ്ഞു് സുപരിചിതമാണു്.