subfrigidadj.
/ˌsʌbˈfrɪdʒɪd/, U.S. /ˌsəbˈfrɪdʒᵻd/ Designating regions adjacent to the north and south frigid zones, i.e. immediately to the south and north (respectively) of the Arctic and Antarctic Circles; of, relating to, or inhabiting such regions. Also more generally: very cold, close to freezing.
ΚΠ
1817 Q. Jrnl. Sci. & Arts Oct. 65 Their main body is stationed in the temperate and sub-frigid zones, between the elevations of 300 and 1200 fathoms.
1852 J. D. Dana U.S. Exploring Exped.: Crustacea Pt. II ii. 1472 Its southern portion..appears to pertain..to the Subfrigid [Region].
1936 Sci. News Let. 19 Mar. 176/2 At the approach of winter, air and water temperatures quickly resume subfrigid character in the north.
1958 Vegetatio 8 77 The subfrigid species..[of Tripetaleia] being different from the species of the same genus found in the cool-temperate zone of Japan.
1993 USA Today (Nexis) 11 June 1 d Newell..keeps her apartment at sub-frigid iciness.
2003 Plant Physiol. 131 1826 (title) Seasonal and perennial changes in the distribution of water in the sapwood of conifers in a sub-frigid zone.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2012; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1817