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arctic

/ˈɑrktɪk/
/ˈɑktɪk/
IPA guide

Other forms: arctics; arctically

If the weatherman warns of arctic conditions, get out your thermal underwear, hats, and gloves. It's going to be cold. The word arctic describes frigid and inhospitable weather.

The word arctic refers to the Arctic Circle — the North Pole and the land that surrounds it — which is the northernmost major circle of latitude on the Earth. When you think of the word arctic, imagine the weather at the North Pole, cold and windy, suitable only for hearty animals and mythical toy-making elves. Bundle up for the arctic blast heading down from Canada towards the U.S.!

Definitions of arctic
  1. adjective
    extremely cold
    “an arctic climate”
    cold
    having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
  2. noun
    a waterproof overshoe that protects shoes from water or snow
    synonyms: galosh, golosh, gumshoe, rubber
    see moresee less
    type of:
    overshoe
    footwear that protects your shoes from water or snow or cold
Pronunciation
US
/ˈɑrktɪk/
UK
/ˈɑktɪk/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘arctic'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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