arctic: Meaning and Definition of

arc•tic

Pronunciation: (ärk'tik or, esp. for 7, är'tik), [key]
— adj.
  1. (often cap.) of, pertaining to, or located at or near the North Pole: the arctic region.
  2. coming from the North Pole or the arctic region: an arctic wind.
  3. characteristic of the extremely cold, snowy, windy weather north of the Arctic Circle; frigid; bleak: an arctic winter.
  4. suitable for use in the arctic: arctic boots.
  5. extremely cold in manner, atmosphere, etc.: a look of arctic disdain.
—n.
  1. (often cap.) the region lying north of the Arctic Circle or of the northernmost limit of tree growth; the polar area north of the timber line.
  2. warm, waterproof overshoes.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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