noun Uncommon

Antarctica

an-TAH-tih-kuh

Antarctica (noun) means the icy continent surrounding the South Pole, almost entirely covered by a vast ice sheet and home to no permanent human population. Example: “Scientists in Antarctica study ice cores that record thousands of years of climate history.”

noun

The icy continent surrounding the South Pole, almost entirely covered by a vast ice sheet and home to no permanent human population.

"Scientists in Antarctica study ice cores that record thousands of years of climate history."

"Very few ships attempt the rough crossing to Antarctica in winter."

How to use Antarctica

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe frozen continent at the bottom of the globe.

Common pairings

expedition to Antarctica Antarctica's ice sheet

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Scientists in _____ study ice cores that record thousands of years of climate history.

Etymology

From "anti-" (opposite) plus "Arctic" — literally "the opposite of the Arctic," since it lies at the opposite pole.

Synonyms

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the frozen continent the white continent

Rhymes for Antarctica

mica Erica chica Utica Africa silica Attica Monica Danica Jamaica replica formica

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Antarctica” mean?

The word “Antarctica” means the icy continent surrounding the South Pole, almost entirely covered by a vast ice sheet and home to no permanent human population. In plain terms, the frozen continent at the bottom of the globe.

How do you pronounce “Antarctica”?

“Antarctica” is pronounced an-TAH-tih-kuh (/ænˈtɑɹ(k)tɪkə/ in IPA).

How do you use “Antarctica” in a sentence?

Here is “Antarctica” used in a sentence: “Scientists in Antarctica study ice cores that record thousands of years of climate history.”

What part of speech is “Antarctica”?

“Antarctica” is a noun.

Is “Antarctica” a common word?

“Antarctica” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Is Antarctica a country?

No, Antarctica is not a country; it is a continent with no permanent human population, governed instead by an international treaty system rather than a single national government.

What is the difference between Antarctica and the Arctic?

Antarctica is a continent covered almost entirely by ice at the South Pole, while the Arctic is a region at the North Pole made up largely of sea ice floating on ocean rather than a landmass. This is why Antarctica has land-based ice sheets and native rock beneath the ice, unlike the Arctic.

Does anyone live in Antarctica permanently?

No, Antarctica has no permanent human population; the people present are mainly scientists and support staff stationed temporarily at research bases.