glacier

gla-cier · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A slowly moving mass or river of ice formed by the accumulation and compaction of snow in mountainous areas or near the poles.

  2. 2.

    (figurative) Something that moves very slowly.

Forms

plural: glaciers

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    glacial pace — extremely slow speed
  • •
    glacier-fed — supplied with water from melting glaciers

Related words

See also: ice, iceberg, mountain
Synonyms: ice field, ice sheet

Etymology

From French glacier, from Old French glace ("ice"), from Latin glacies ("ice"). Entered English in the mid-18th century.