Floe: meaning, definitions and examples
🧊
floe
[ floʊ ]
ice formation
A floe is a large, flat piece of floating ice that typically forms in polar regions. It can vary in size, with some floes being quite small while others can span several square kilometers. Floes are an important aspect of the marine ecosystem, providing habitats for various species. They also play a significant role in reflecting sunlight and regulating ocean temperatures.
Synonyms
ice floe, ice sheet, ice slab.
Examples of usage
- The polar bears rested on the floe, looking for seals.
- Large floes drifted away from the ice cap, altering the ecosystem.
- The ship navigated carefully around the ice floes in the Arctic.
- Scientists studied the melting floes to understand climate change effects.
Translations
Translations of the word "floe" in other languages:
🇵🇹 ice floe
🇮🇳 बर्फ की चादर
🇩🇪 Eisscholle
🇮🇩 lapisan es
🇺🇦 айсберг
🇵🇱 pokrywa lodowa
🇯🇵 氷の板 (こおりのいた)
🇫🇷 banquise
🇪🇸 banco de hielo
🇹🇷 buz tabakası
🇰🇷 빙판 (빙판)
🇸🇦 لوح جليدي
🇨🇿 ledová deska
🇸🇰 ľadová doska
🇨🇳 冰层 (bīng céng)
🇸🇮 ledenik
🇮🇸 ísflötur
🇰🇿 мұз қабаты
🇬🇪 ყინულის ფენა
🇦🇿 buz təbəqəsi
🇲🇽 plano de hielo
Etymology
The word 'floe' originates from the early 17th century, derived from the Middle Dutch word 'vloe' or from the Old Norse word 'flói', meaning 'a flowing body of water' or 'to flow'. The term has evolved in maritime contexts to describe floating ice in oceans and seas, particularly in areas like the Arctic and Antarctic. Over the centuries, the significance of floes has been highlighted in various explorations, research, and literature relating to polar environments. As climate change continues to impact the Arctic ice levels, the study and understanding of floes have become increasingly important for scientists and researchers, emphasizing the word's relevance in contemporary discussions about the impact of global warming on polar ecosystems.