Antarctic

The word “Antarctic” means relating to Antarctica or the region around the South Pole. In plain terms, to do with the far south polar region around Antarctica.

“Antarctic” is pronounced an-TAH-tihk (/ænˈtɑɹ(k)tɪk/ in IPA).

Here is “Antarctic” used in a sentence: “The ship sailed through freezing antarctic waters.”

Depending on how it is used, “Antarctic” can be an adjective and a name.

The word “Antarctic” comes from Ancient Greek. From Latin antarcticus, from Ancient Greek antarktikos, literally "opposite the Arctic.".

“Antarctic” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Antarctic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to Antarctica or the region around the South Pole.

"Antarctic" is an adjective or a broader name for the polar region surrounding the South Pole, which includes the continent, surrounding waters, and nearby islands, while "Antarctica" specifically names the continent itself. You can describe something as "Antarctic" without it necessarily being located on the continent of Antarctica, such as Antarctic waters.

When referring to the specific polar region as a proper noun, "Antarctic" is capitalized, as in "the Antarctic." As a general adjective describing something related to that region, such as "antarctic conditions" used loosely to mean extremely cold, it is sometimes lowercased, though capitalizing it is standard and safest.

The Antarctic surrounds the South Pole and includes the continent of Antarctica, while the Arctic surrounds the North Pole and consists mainly of ocean and sea ice rather than a landmass. They are opposite polar regions on the globe.