Word
arctic
Phoneticsarc·tic, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɑɹktɪk/
UK/ˈɑːktɪk/
Definitions
01relating to the North Pole
B1 · Intermediate Science
adj. relating to the region around the North Pole.
adj. pertaining to the northern polar region of the planet, typically defined by the area north of the Arctic Circle.
“Scientists are studying how the arctic ice is melting due to climate change.”
“The expedition aimed to document the unique biodiversity of arctic ecosystems before seasonal shifts altered the landscape permanently.”
Usage
Often capitalized when referring to the specific geographic region.
Antonyms
02extremely cold
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. extremely cold, like the weather at the North Pole.
adj. characterised by extreme cold, snow, or other properties associated with a polar winter.
“We had to stay indoors because of the arctic winds outside.”
“An arctic blast swept across the plains, plunging temperatures well below freezing within a matter of hours.”
Teaching tip
This sense is often used for emphasis in news reports about winter weather.
03the northern polar region
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Science
n. the area around the North Pole, including the ocean and nearby land.
n. the region surrounding the North Pole, consisting of the Arctic Ocean and parts of Alaska, Canada, Russia, and Greenland.
“The Arctic is home to polar bears and many species of seals.”
“Geopolitical interest in the Arctic has increased as receding ice opens new potential shipping routes through the Northwest Passage.”
Usage
Always used with 'the' and capitalized in this sense.
Synonyms
Antonyms
04waterproof boot
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun American English · Archaic
n. a type of warm, waterproof boot worn over regular shoes.
n. a warm, waterproof overshoe designed for use in snowy or icy conditions.
“He pulled on his arctics before heading out into the deep snow.”
“The old farmer still wore his heavy rubber arctics to keep his feet dry during the spring thaw.”
Usage
Usually used in the plural form.
Teaching tip
This term is rarely heard today; modern speakers usually say 'snow boots' or 'overshoes'.
Synonyms
Etymology
From Middle English artik, artyk (with -c- reintroduced after Latin in the 17th century), from Medieval Latin articus, from Latin arcticus, from Ancient Greek ἀρκτικός (arktikós, “northern, of the (Great) Bear”), from ἄρκτος (árktos, “bear, Ursa Major”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂ŕ̥tḱos (“bear”). Cognate with Latin ursus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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