# Antarctic

/æˈnɑɹtɪk/ (US) · /æntˈɑːktɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/antarctic
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. relating to the South Pole

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to the area around the South Pole, which is the coldest part of the world.

For teachers: pertaining to Antarctica and the south polar regions, specifically the area south of the Antarctic Circle.

- Scientists are studying the Antarctic ice to learn about the Earth's history.
- The Antarctic expedition faced extreme weather conditions that delayed their arrival at the research station by several weeks.

Usage: Usually capitalised in modern usage.

### 2. the south polar region

noun · CEFR B2

the region around the South Pole, including the continent of Antarctica.

For teachers: the geographic region surrounding the South Pole, defined by the Antarctic Convergence or the 60th parallel south.

- Many unique species of penguins live only in the Antarctic.
- The treaty ensures that the Antarctic remains a zone for peaceful scientific cooperation rather than territorial dispute.

Usage: Always capitalised and usually preceded by 'the'.

## Examples

- The Antarctic ice is very thick.
- Scientists study how climate change affects the Antarctic ecosystem.
- The expedition team braved the harsh Antarctic winter, enduring temperatures that dropped well below freezing for months on end.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.