arctic
- 01 B1 Intermediate
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.
Simple“Scientists are studying how the arctic ice is melting due to climate change.”
In context“The expedition aimed to document the unique biodiversity of arctic ecosystems before seasonal shifts altered the landscape permanently.”
UsageOften capitalized when referring to the specific geographic region.
- 02 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.
Simple“We had to stay indoors because of the arctic winds outside.”
In context“An arctic blast swept across the plains, plunging temperatures well below freezing within a matter of hours.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is often used for emphasis in news reports about winter weather.
- 03 B1 Intermediate
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.
Simple“The Arctic is home to polar bears and many species of seals.”
In context“Geopolitical interest in the Arctic has increased as receding ice opens new potential shipping routes through the Northwest Passage.”
UsageAlways used with 'the' and capitalized in this sense.
Synonymsthe northpolar regionAntonymsthe antarctic - 04 C2 Proficiency
n.a type of warm, waterproof boot worn over regular shoes.
n.a warm, waterproof overshoe designed for use in snowy or icy conditions.
Simple“He pulled on his arctics before heading out into the deep snow.”
In context“The old farmer still wore his heavy rubber arctics to keep his feet dry during the spring thaw.”
UsageUsually used in the plural form.
Teacher's tipThis term is rarely heard today; modern speakers usually say 'snow boots' or 'overshoes'.
Synonymsovershoegalosh
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.