View synonyms for

permafrost

[pur-muh-frawst, -frost]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

(in Arctic or subarctic regions) perennially frozen subsoil.

permafrost

/ ˈ��ɜː��əˌ�ڰ�ɒ�� /

noun

ground that is permanently frozen, often to great depths, the surface sometimes thawing in the summer

permafrost

A layer of soil or bedrock that has been continuously frozen for at least two years and as long as tens of thousands of years. Permafrost can reach depths of up to 1,524 m (4,999 ft). It is found throughout most of the polar regions and underlies about one fifth of the Earth's land surface.

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of permafrost¹

First recorded in 1943; perma(nent) + frost

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of permafrost¹

C20: from _perma ( _nent ) + _frost

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Climate change is causing the glaciers - frozen rivers of ice - to melt faster and faster, and the permafrost, often described as the glue that holds the high mountains together, is also thawing.

From

Should global warming cause the thick Arctic permafrost to thaw, the vault is still robust enough to preserve its contents he says.

From

There are still the thawing permafrost and melting ice sheets to take into account.

From

The company says the creatures' grazing habits would encourage grasslands to flourish and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide being released from melting permafrost.

From

Having planted that idea in the permafrost, “Universal Language” gets rid of dialogue all together.

From

permadeath permafrost table

Browse