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DictionaryArcticNorthern polar region
adjective / proper noun

Arctic

ARK-tik/ˈɑːrktɪk/

The region around the North Pole.

The polar bear crosses sea ice in the Arctic.

A polar bear walking across broken sea ice beside cold blue open water, making the northern polar setting recognizable without people or text.
Etymology
arctGreekbear; Ursa Major
+icGreekpertaining to

Arctic literally means 'of the Bear,' referring to the northern constellation Ursa Major. Its association with the north pole of the heavens supplied the connection to the northern polar region on earth.

In context

Real Wild35:09
to the north of these temperate forests the winter is far more severe like leaves blown before the Siberian Gales refugees arrive from Arctic Asia
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More examples

  • They studied Arctic wildlife.
  • An arctic wind swept through the station.
  • The expedition entered the Arctic in summer.

Forms

Arctic · arctic

Similar words

Antarctic
Relates to the South Pole rather than the North Pole.
polar
Can concern either pole.