adj.
Pronunciation: ' ärk-tik, ' är-tik
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English artik, from Latin arcticus, from Greek arktikos, from arktos bear, Ursa Major, north; akin to Latin ursus bear, Sanskrit ṛ k ș a
Date: 14th century
1 often capitalized : of, or relating to, or suitable for use at the north pole or the region near it < arctic waters> < arctic animals> < arctic clothing>
2 a : bitter cold : FRIGID < arctic air> b : cold in temper or mood <an arctic smile>
– arc · ti · cal · ly \ -ti-k( ə -)l ē \ adverb