arctic

¹arc·tic

adj \ˈärk-tik, ˈär-tik\

Definition of ARCTIC

1

often capitalized : of, or relating to, or suitable for use at the north pole or the region near it <arctic waters> <arctic animals> <arctic clothing>

2

a : bitter cold : frigid <arctic air> b : cold in temper or mood <an arctic smile>

— arc·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of ARCTIC

1. The group is involved in Arctic exploration.
2. <the arctic air of deep winter>

Origin of ARCTIC

Middle English artik, from Latin arcticus, from Greek arktikos, from arktos bear, Ursa Major, north; akin to Latin ursus bear, Sanskrit ṛkṣa

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ARCTIC

Synonyms: algid, cold, bitter, bone-chilling, chill, chilly, coldish, cool, coolish, freezing, frigid, frosty, gelid, glacial, ice-cold, icy, nipping, nippy, numbing, polar, shivery, snappy, wintry (also wintery)

Antonyms: ardent, blazing, boiling, broiling, burning, fervent, fervid, fiery, glowing, hot, igneous, molten, piping hot, red-hot, roasting, scalding, scorching, searing, seething, sizzling, sultry, sweltering, torrid, ultrahot, warming, white-hot

Related Words: cryogenic, subfreezing, subzero, ultracold; cutting, keen, penetrating, piercing, sharp; bracing, brisk, crisp, invigorating, rigorous; chilled, cooled, frosted, frozen, iced, refrigerated, unheated

Near Antonyms: lukewarm, tepid; heated, overheated, reheated, warmed; snug, toasty, warm; feverish, flushed, inflamed (also enflamed); canicular, equatorial, muggy, steamy, summery, tropical

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Ecology Terms

Malthusian, anthropogenic, biomass, carbon footprint, crepuscular, niche, sere, symbiosis, taiga, tundra

Rhymes with ARCTIC

Arctic