Antarctica

[ant-ahrk-ti-kuh, -ahr-ti-]

noun

1. the continent surrounding the South Pole: almost entirely covered by an ice sheet. About 5,000,000 sq. mi. (12,950,000 sq. km).

Antarctica

/ æntˈɑːktɪkə /

noun

1. a continent around the South Pole: consists of an ice-covered plateau, 1800–3000 m (6000 ft to 10 000 ft) above sea level, and mountain ranges rising to 4500 m (15 000 ft) with some volcanic peaks; average temperatures all below freezing and human settlement is confined to research stations. All political claims to the mainland are suspended under the Antarctic Treaty of 1959

Antarctica

1. Continent surrounding the South Pole, located almost entirely within the Antarctic Circle. It is covered by an ice cap up to thirteen thousand feet thick.

Antarctica is characterized by extremely low temperatures.

In 1911, Roald Amundsen became the first explorer to reach the South Pole, followed shortly thereafter by Robert Scott.

Example Sentences

The samples were found in the Allan Hills region of East Antarctica, an area long known to preserve ancient ice near the surface.

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"The circumstances may be a little particular, but this rapid retreat shows us what may happen elsewhere in Antarctica where glaciers are lightly grounded, and sea-ice loses its grip," he added.

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"Antarctica is the coldest, driest, and windiest place on the planet. It is also the highest continent on Earth," Tordeur said.

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In another essay, Mr. Hoagland travels to Antarctica while in a state of mourning, and is moved by observing the bonds among humpback whales.

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In a secluded section of Antarctica's western Weddell Sea, researchers have made an extraordinary discovery in an area once concealed beneath 200 meters of solid ice.

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