I. ˈärktik, ˈär.dik, ˈärtik, ˈȧkt-, ˈȧd.-, ˈȧt-, -ēk — the pronunciation without the first k is the original one in English ( see etymology ) and has centuries of oral tradition behind it adjective
Etymology: alteration (influenced by Latin arcticus ) of earlier artic, from Middle English artik, fr, Medieval Latin articus, alteration of Latin arcticus, from Greek arktikos, from arktos bear, Ursa Major, north + -ikos -ic; akin to Middle Irish art bear, Latin ursus, Sanskrit ṛkṣa
1. sometimes capitalized : of, in, characteristic of, or used in the region around the north pole to approximately 65° N
arctic nights
arctic waters
arctic clothing
2.
a. : bitter cold : frigid
arctic temperatures
b. : cold in temper or mood
an arctic smile
3. usually capitalized : of or belonging to an early Stone Age culture of northwestern Europe or to a culture based on the hunting of sea mammals on the islands of Bering strait
4. usually capitalized : of, relating to, or being a biogeographic realm or zone that comprises the tundra and treeless grounds lying north of timberline in the northern hemisphere or this together with more southerly areas that are above timberline — compare alpine , boreal
• arc·ti·cal·ly -t]ə̇k(ə)lē, -d.], ]ēk-, li\ adverb
II. noun
( -s )
: a fabric-lined rubber overshoe reaching to the ankle or above and having a fastening device (as a buckle or zipper)