interglacial

[ in-ter-gley-shuh l ]

/ ˌɪn tərˈgleɪ ʃəl /

adjective Geology.

occurring or formed between times of glacial action.

Nearby words

intergalactic, intergalactic space, intergenerational, intergenerational mobility, intergeneric, interglacial, interglyph, intergovernmental, intergradation, intergrade, intergranular

Origin of interglacial

First recorded in 1865–70; inter- + glacial

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for interglacial

It will be noted that I have indicated most separations as having taken place in interglacial ages.
Speciation of the Wandering Shrew|James S. Findley
Many of the valleys of our present rivers are but patchworks of preglacial, interglacial, and postglacial courses (Fig. 366).
The Elements of Geology|William Harmon Norton
The interglacial stages represent the 10,500 year periods when the earth in winter (northern hemisphere) is nearest the sun.
Geology|William J. Miller
These gravels are exactly comparable to the interglacial gravels of the Sonthofen sections.
Fragments of Earth Lore|James Geikie

During the first and second interglacial epochs the climate appears to have been warmer than at present.
The New Stone Age in Northern Europe|John M. Tyler

British Dictionary definitions for interglacial

interglacial

/ (ˌɪntəˈɡleɪsɪəl, -ʃəl) /

adjective

occurring or formed between periods of glacial action

noun

a period of comparatively warm climate between two glaciations, esp of the Pleistocene epoch

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Science definitions for interglacial

interglacial

[ ĭn′tər-glā′shəl ]

Adjective

Occurring between glacial epochs.

Noun

A comparatively short period of warmth during an overall period of glaciation. Interglacials are characterized both by the melting of ice and by a change in vegetation.