a thick mass of glacial ice and snow that permanently covers an area of land, such as either of the polar regions or the peak of a mountain
icecap in American English
(ˈaisˌkæp)
noun
a thick cover of ice over an area, sloping in all directions from the center
Word origin
[1850–55; ice + cap1]This word is first recorded in the period 1850–55. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: boneyard, ethylene, heavyweight, muggins, segue
Examples of 'icecap' in a sentence
icecap
This icecap naturally comes and goes with the seasons, though.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Some researchers say that the summer icecap could vanish within a decade.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
But there is more to be done before it reaches icecap-melting levels of awareness.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The icecap melts in summer then grows back when it gets cold.
The Sun (2008)
For green activists perched on a melting icecap, the judgment would have barely registered.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
One idea is that the icecap may shrink and grow naturally over decades.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
They were left exposed to severe winds during the storm on the world's second largest icecap.
The Sun (2013)
This has enabled them to construct models aimed at forecasting the fate of the icecap.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Antarctic, as freezing cold air rushes down from the top of the icecap towards the surrounding seas.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The region has barely been explored, but as the polar icecap melts access is becoming easier.