adj
polar
POH-luh
adj
1
Relating to, or near, the North or South Pole.
"Polar bears are perfectly adapted to the Arctic cold."
"Scientists study ice cores from polar regions to track climate change."
2
Describing a molecule with an uneven distribution of electrical charge.
"Water is a polar molecule, which is why it dissolves salt so well."
3
Completely opposite in nature.
"The two candidates hold polar views on the economy."
How to Use Polar
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRelating to the North or South Pole, to opposite electrical charge in molecules, or to completely opposite positions.
Common pairings
polar bear
polar opposite
polar ice cap
polar molecule
Word Forms
polars plural
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_____ bears are perfectly adapted to the Arctic cold.
Etymology
From Latin polaris, from polus, "pole" — ultimately from Greek polos.