# glacial

/ˈɡɫeɪʃəɫ/ (US) · /ɡlˈeɪʃəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/glacial
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. relating to glaciers

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

connected to glaciers or the way they shape the land.

For teachers: relating to, resulting from, or denoting the presence or agency of ice, especially in the form of glaciers.

- The valley was formed by glacial activity thousands of years ago.
- Geologists identified distinct glacial deposits that suggest the entire region was once covered by a massive ice sheet during the Pleistocene.

### 3. very cold

adjective · CEFR B2 · Literary

extremely cold, like ice.

For teachers: characterised by extremely low temperatures; icy.

- A glacial wind blew across the empty fields in January.
- The climbers were forced to retreat when a glacial blast of air made it impossible to maintain body heat in their tents.

### 4. unfriendly

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary

very cold and unfriendly in behavior.

For teachers: lacking warmth or friendliness; emotionally distant or hostile.

- She gave him a glacial look when he interrupted her speech.
- The negotiations were conducted in a glacial atmosphere, with neither side willing to offer even a polite greeting to the other.

### 5. an ice age

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a long period of time when ice covers large parts of the earth.

For teachers: a period of time during an ice age when glaciers advance.

- Scientists study the animals that lived during the last glacial.
- The transition from the last glacial to the current interglacial period saw dramatic shifts in global sea levels and vegetation patterns.

## Examples

- The line at the bank moved at a glacial pace.
- Progress on the new law has been glacial, with politicians debating the same three points for over a year.
- The landscape still bears the scars of the last glacial period, with deep valleys carved out by the slow, irresistible movement of ice sheets.

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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.