Meaning & Definition of word "Antarctica"

Antarctica

/ænˈtɑːrk.tɪ.kə/

1. A continent located in the southern hemisphere, containing the South Pole, known for its extreme cold, ice-covered land, and unique wildlife.
- Example: Researchers study climate change by examining ice cores taken from Antarctica.
2. The region around the South Pole, governed by an international treaty that preserves it for scientific research and prohibits military activity.
- Example: Many countries have established research stations in Antarctica to conduct scientific experiments.
3. The southernmost continent on Earth, recognized for its vast ice sheets and as a critical area for global climate monitoring.
- Example: Antarctica is home to various species of penguins and seals, which thrive in its harsh environment.

Derived from the Greek word 'antarktikos', meaning 'opposite to the Arctic'.

Antarctic treaty:

An agreement that regulates international relations with respect to Antarctica.

Antarctic Circle:

The latitude circle that demarcates the area around the South Pole where, for at least one day each year, the sun does not set.

ice shelf:

A thick plate of ice that forms where a glacier or ice flow meets the sea.

penguin:

A flightless bird found primarily in the Southern Hemisphere, especially in Antarctica.

iceberg:

A large piece of freshwater ice that has broken off from a glacier or ice shelf and is floating in open water.

Meaning: Cold as Antarctica

Example Sentence: His response was as cold as Antarctica when I asked him about his plans.