Arctic has 9 different meanings across 3 categories:
Noun · Adjective · Proper Noun
the regions to the north of the Arctic Circle centered on the North Pole
"The arctic region experiences months of continuous darkness during its long winter season."
Alternative letter-case form of Arctic
"He slipped an arctic over his boot to keep snow out while hiking through the forest."
A warm waterproof overshoe.
In plain English: Arctic is the name for the very cold, icy region around the North Pole.
"They packed heavy wool suits before traveling to the arctic."
Alternative letter-case form of Arctic
"The arctic constellation Ursa Minor contains Polaris, the bright pole star that guides travelers near the celestial north pole."
Pertaining to the celestial north pole, or to the pole star.
In plain English: Arctic describes something that is extremely cold, usually found near the North Pole where it snows and ice covers everything year-round.
"The arctic wind made my face feel extremely cold."
The north celestial pole.
"The navigator used the star near the arctic to maintain their course toward the north."
The word "arctic" comes from the Ancient Greek for "of the Great Bear," referring to the constellation that marks the northern sky. It entered English via Medieval and Middle Latin, eventually replacing an earlier spelling without a 'c' in the 17th century.