— arctically , adv.
/ahrk"tik/ or, esp. for 7, /ahr"tik/ , 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.
6. ( 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.
7. arctics , warm, waterproof overshoes.
[ 1350-1400; arcticus arktikós northern, lit., of the Bear, equiv. to árkt ( os ) bear (see URSA MAJOR) + -ikos -IC; r. ME artik artique ]