释义 |
arc·tic I. \ˈärktik, ˈär.dik, ˈärtik, ˈȧkt-, ˈȧd.-, ˈȧt-, -ēk — the pronunciation without the first k is the original one in English (see etymology) and has centuries of oral tradition behind it\ adjective Etymology: alteration (influenced by Latin arcticus) of earlier artic, from Middle English artik, fr, Medieval Latin articus, alteration of Latin arcticus, from Greek arktikos, from arktos bear, Ursa Major, north + -ikos -ic; akin to Middle Irish art bear, Latin ursus, Sanskrit ṛkṣa 1. sometimes capitalized : of, in, characteristic of, or used in the region around the north pole to approximately 65° N < arctic nights > < arctic waters > < arctic clothing > 2. a. : bitter cold : frigid < arctic temperatures > b. : cold in temper or mood < an arctic smile > 3. usually capitalized : of or belonging to an early Stone Age culture of northwestern Europe or to a culture based on the hunting of sea mammals on the islands of Bering strait 4. usually capitalized : of, relating to, or being a biogeographic realm or zone that comprises the tundra and treeless grounds lying north of timberline in the northern hemisphere or this together with more southerly areas that are above timberline — compare alpine, boreal • arc·ti·cal·ly \-t]ə̇k(ə)lē, -d.], ]ēk-, li\ adverb II. noun (-s) : a fabric-lined rubber overshoe reaching to the ankle or above and having a fastening device (as a buckle or zipper) |