ice shelf

American  

noun

1. an ice sheet projecting into coastal waters so that the end floats.

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ice shelf British  

noun

1. a thick mass of ice that is permanently attached to the land but projects into and floats on the sea

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Etymology

Origin of ice shelf

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

This four-stage pattern of structural decline may be a signal for other Antarctic ice shelves that appear to be entering similar phases of weakness.

From Science Daily

Dr. Abram added that other critical systems may soon reach a point of no return, including the ice shelves that hold back parts of the Antarctic ice sheet.

From Science Daily

Floating tongues of glaciers extending into the sea – called ice shelves – are much more prone to breaking up than glacier fronts resting on the seabed.

From BBC

Scientists were particularly focused on the vital role of Antarctica's floating ice shelves, which act as barriers that slow the flow of glaciers from the continent's interior.

From Science Daily

Mr Gregory captured a group of fledgling emperor penguin chicks teetering on the edge of an ice shelf.

From BBC