Glacier Meaning and Definition
Glacier
Pronunciation
/ˈgleɪsɪər/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A slow-moving river of ice that flows from the mountains to the sea, formed by the accumulation and compaction of snow, found in polar and alpine regions.
Examples
- The glacier crawled down the mountain, carving a path through the rocks.
- The scientists studied the glacier’s movement to understand the effects of climate change.
Synonyms
- Ice
- Frost
Antonyms
- Thaw
- Melt
Etymology
The word “glacier” comes from the French language, derived from the Latin “glacies”, meaning “ice”. In Old French, the term “glace” referred to a sheet of ice or a frozen pond, which was later extended to include larger formations of moving ice.
Usage Notes
The term “glacier” is often used in scientific and geographical contexts to describe these natural formations. It can be used in both singular and plural forms.
Cultural References
- In Jules Verne’s novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth”, the characters encounter a glacier in Iceland.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To be on thin ice
Related Words or Phrases
- Iceberg
- Frozen
- Permafrost
Collocations
- Glacier lake
- Glacier valley
- Glacier travel
Frequency of Use
The term “glacier” is relatively infrequent in everyday language, but is commonly used in scientific and geographical contexts, particularly in discussions of climate change and environmental issues.
Common Misspellings
- Glaciar
- Glisier