Pronunciation: [flˈə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The word "floe" is spelled phonetically as /floʊ/. The 'o' in the first syllable is pronounced as a long 'o' sound, while the 'e' at the end is silent. The consonant 'f' and the vowel 'l' are pronounced separately, giving the word its unique sound. A floe is a flat piece of ice that floats on the surface of the sea, and understanding its correct spelling can help with communication about arctic conditions and marine navigation.
A "floe" refers to a large, flat piece of floating ice that is typically found in polar regions or frozen bodies of water. It is formed when smaller pieces of ice merge or freeze together to create a larger, solid mass that can range in size from a few meters to several kilometers in diameter. Floes can vary in thickness, with some being only a few centimeters thick and others several meters thick.
These ice formations are influenced by factors such as wind, tides, and currents, causing them to drift across the surface of the water. They can be found in both saltwater (sea ice) and freshwater (lake ice) environments. Floes play a significant role in polar ecosystems, providing habitats for various marine and terrestrial organisms.
The term "floe" originates from the Old Norse word "fló," meaning a "floating mass of ice." It gained popularity in the English language due to its association with exploration in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. In addition to its scientific usage, the term is commonly employed in discussions related to climate change, as melting floes can serve as important indicators of changing environmental conditions.
Overall, a floe is a critical component of the frozen landscape in polar areas and serves as a fundamental feature in the study of polar science and climatology.
A mass or collection of floating ice in the ocean.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "floe" originated from the Old Norse word "fló", which means "layer" or "slab". It was borrowed into English during the 17th century, specifically from the term "ice floe", which refers to a large flat sheet of floating ice. The term "floe" gradually became associated with these floating masses of ice in English.
