Glacier: meaning, definitions and examples

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glacier

 

[ ˈɡleɪʃər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

natural formation

A glacier is a large mass of dense ice that forms from the accumulation of snow over many years. It moves slowly over land due to the force of gravity. Glaciers are found in polar regions and on high mountains, where the temperature is low enough for snow to transform into ice. They play a significant role in shaping landscapes and are important indicators of climate change.

Synonyms

ice flow, ice mass, ice sheet.

Examples of usage

  • The glacier slowly carved the valley over thousands of years.
  • Scientists study glaciers to understand past climate conditions.
  • The melting of glaciers poses risks to coastal communities.

Translations

Translations of the word "glacier" in other languages:

🇵🇹 geleira

🇮🇳 ग्लेशियर

🇩🇪 Gletscher

🇮🇩 glacier

🇺🇦 льодовик

🇵🇱 lodowiec

🇯🇵 氷河 (ひょうが)

🇫🇷 glacier

🇪🇸 glaciar

🇹🇷 buzul

🇰🇷 빙하 (bingha)

🇸🇦 نهر جليدي

🇨🇿 ledovec

🇸🇰 ľadovec

🇨🇳 冰川 (bīngchuān)

🇸🇮 glečer

🇮🇸 jökull

🇰🇿 мұздық

🇬🇪 ყინული

🇦🇿 buzlaq

🇲🇽 glaciar

Etymology

The word 'glacier' comes from the French word 'glace', meaning 'ice'. It has its roots in the Latin 'glacies', which also translates to 'ice'. The term began to be used in English during the early 19th century as the study of natural formations and geology became more prominent. Glaciers are integral to understanding Earth's climatic history, and they have been subjects of scientific research regarding climate change and environmental shifts. The study of glaciers has provided valuable insights into Earth's past climate and serves as a vital area of research in understanding the ongoing impacts of global warming.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,585, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.