What does "geographic" mean?

1. (related to geography) relating to the study of the Earth's surface, countries, and natural features. 2. (true physical location) based on the Earth's actual poles rather than magnetic ones.

How do you use "geographic"?

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

geographic

adj.

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

1 related to geography (adj.)
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.

Example

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

Example

The researchers mapped the geographic distribution of the species to understand how climate change was forcing them into higher altitudes.
2 true physical location (adj.)
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.

Example

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

Example

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'.
- true
- magnetic

Origin

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