adj. & n.
--adj.
1. of the north polar regions.
2 (arctic) colloq. (esp. of weather) very cold.
--n.
1. the Arctic regions.
2 (arctic) US a thick waterproof overshoe.
Phrases and idioms:
Arctic Circle the parallel of latitude 66° 33' N, forming an imaginary line round this region.
Etymology: ME f. OF artique f. L ar(c)ticus f. Gk arktikos f. arktos bear, Ursa Major