floe

[ floh ]

noun

1. Also called ice floe. a sheet of floating ice, chiefly on the surface of the sea, smaller than an ice field.
2. a detached floating portion of such a sheet.

floe

/ fləʊ /

noun

1. See ice floe

floe

/ flō /

1. A mass or sheet of floating ice.

Word History and Origins

Origin of floe¹

First recorded in 1810–20; perhaps from Norwegian flo “layer” (compare Old Norse flō “layer, level”); cognate with Old English flōh “piece, flagstone”; flaw ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of floe¹

C19: probably from Norwegian flo slab, layer, from Old Norse; see flaw ¹

Example Sentences

They have gone out on an ice floe with no obvious way back to shore.

From The Daily Beast

Not that Western civilization has never embraced the mythical Inuit practice of leaving the old out on an ice floe.

From The Daily Beast

There's a clear passage through the floe, and clear water beyond, the lookout says.

From Project Gutenberg

No craft like the Grampus could work through a floe, What knots she could run, and what tons she could stow!

From Project Gutenberg

"Be ready, now," said Kit; when some one of the party on the floe fired on a sudden.

From Project Gutenberg

About seven o'clock we heard a splashing out along the floe.

From Project Gutenberg

We towed the carcass up to the edge of the floe, and pulled it up.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ice floe
• iceberg