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Iceberg Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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iceberg

[ˈaɪsbɜrɡ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

geographical feature

An iceberg is a large floating mass of freshwater ice that has broken off from a glacier or ice shelf and is floating in open water. Icebergs typically form in polar regions and can vary greatly in size, from small chunks to massive structures covering several kilometers. They are a key feature of the Arctic and Antarctic oceans and are known for their characteristic shapes and dramatic appearances.

Synonyms

frozen mass, ice floe.

Examples of usage

  • The Titanic famously sank after hitting an iceberg.
  • Researchers study icebergs to understand climate change.
  • Icebergs can create hazardous conditions for ships.
  • The majority of an iceberg is submerged underwater.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Geography

  • Most icebergs are found in the cold waters of the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
  • Icebergs can be categorized into three types: tabular, dome, and pinnacle, each having different shapes and sizes.

Disasters

  • One of the most famous icebergs was the one that sank the Titanic in 1912, leading to the loss of over 1,500 lives.
  • The Titanic struck the iceberg at about 22:40 (10:40 PM) local time, just before midnight, which raised awareness about iceberg dangers.

Climate Science

  • The melting of icebergs is a significant indicator of climate change and global warming, particularly in polar regions.
  • Scientists study icebergs to understand past climate conditions, as trapped air bubbles in ice can reveal ancient atmospheric changes.

Pop Culture

  • Icebergs have appeared in various films, including the famous scene in the movie 'Titanic' which highlights their danger.
  • The imagery of icebergs often symbolizes hidden challenges or threats, reflected in the saying 'only the tip of the iceberg' to imply that much more lies beneath the surface.

Origin of 'iceberg'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Dutch 'ijsberg', where 'ijs' means ice and 'berg' means mountain.
  • The term has been used since at least the 17th century to describe large ice formations in the sea.

The word 'iceberg' comes from the Dutch term 'ijsberg', where 'ijs' means ice and 'berg' means mountain. The term was adopted into English around the 18th century, reflecting the European exploration of the Arctic regions. Icebergs have captured human imagination due to their formidable size and the stories of their encounters with ships. The dangers posed by icebergs in maritime navigation were notably highlighted by the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912, leading to increased awareness and study of these gigantic ice structures in oceans. As glaciers continue to retreat due to climate change, the behavior and dynamics of icebergs have become an important area of scientific research, highlighting their role in understanding the Earth's climate system.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,610, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.