The word "antarctic" refers to the region surrounding the South Pole. It is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /ænˈtɑːktɪk/. The "a" in "antarctic" is pronounced as /æ/ and the "i" is pronounced as /ɪ/. The stress falls on the second syllable of the word, which is indicated by the apostrophe before the letter "k". The spelling of the word "antarctic" is important to ensure accurate communication and understanding, especially in scientific research and exploration in the region.
Antarctic is an adjective that pertains to the geographical region surrounding the South Pole, also known as Antarctica. It denotes anything related to this icy and inhospitable continent located at the southernmost part of the Earth.
The term primarily refers to the climate conditions, wildlife, and ecosystems found in the Antarctic region. Antarctica is known for its severe and extreme cold weather, where temperatures can drop to as low as -130 degrees Fahrenheit (-89.2 degrees Celsius). The continent is covered by vast ice sheets and glaciers, constituting about 98% of its landmass. These frigid conditions make it the coldest and driest place on Earth.
Regarding wildlife, the Antarctic region is famous for its diverse array of species, including penguins, seals, whales, and various seabirds. These animals have adapted to survive in the harsh climate and unique environmental conditions of Antarctica.
Additionally, "Antarctic" can be used as a noun to refer to the sea waters surrounding Antarctica. It represents the part of the Southern Ocean contained within the Antarctic Convergence, an area where cold Antarctic waters mix with warmer ocean currents.
In summary, the adjective "Antarctic" describes anything related to the Earth's southernmost continent, encompassing its climate, wildlife, and geographical features. It denotes the extreme cold, ice-covered landscapes, and the rich ecosystem that exists in this remote part of the world.
Opposite to the northern or arctic pole; a circle about 23 1/2 deg. from the S. pole.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "Antarctic" originates from the combination of two Greek words: "anti" meaning "opposite" or "against", and "arktikos" meaning "of the north". The word was originally used to describe the Arctic region in the northern hemisphere. However, during the Age of Exploration, when Europeans discovered and explored the southern polar region, they referred to it as the "Antarctic" to emphasize its contrasting position from the Arctic. Over time, this term was specifically associated with the southern polar region, and it became synonymous with the continent we now know as Antarctica.