ENGLISH
REFERENCE

iceland

n. uncountable
A1 Beginner US //ˈaɪsɫənd// ice·land

n. a country that is a large island in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is famous for its cold weather, volcanoes, and beautiful natural scenery.

n. an island nation in the North Atlantic, located between Europe and North America. Characterised by volcanic activity and glaciers.


SIMPLE

Iceland is famous for its beautiful blue lagoons.

CONTEXTUAL

Many tourists visit Iceland in the winter to see the northern lights and explore the ice caves.

COMPLEX

The unique geological position of Iceland allows it to generate almost all of its electricity from renewable sources like geothermal energy and hydropower.

Origin

From Middle English Iseland, Island, Islond, Yslond, a calque of Old Norse Ísland, equivalent to ice + land. Replaced earlier Old Norse Snæland (literally “snowland”).

Usage

Always capitalised as a proper noun; typically used without an article.

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