English Reference
adjective

geographic

adj.
US /ˌdʒiəˈɡɹæfɪk/ UK /dʒˌɪəɡɹˈæfɪk/ ge·o·graph·ic

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    relating to the study of the Earth's surface, countries, and natural features.

    pertaining to the science of geography or the physical features of a specific region.

    Simple

    The mountain range forms a natural geographic barrier between the two countries.

    In context

    The researchers mapped the geographic distribution of the species to understand how climate change was forcing them into higher altitudes.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    based on the Earth's actual poles rather than magnetic ones.

    determined by the Earth's axis of rotation, specifically to distinguish 'true' north from magnetic north.

    Simple

    The compass points to magnetic north, which is different from the geographic North Pole.

    In context

    Navigators must account for the declination between magnetic north and geographic north to ensure the vessel remains on its intended course.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it modifies, such as 'geographic North Pole'.

Usage geographic distribution · geographic region


From Latin geōgraphicus; see French géographique. By surface analysis, geography + -ic.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin geōgraphicus
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated