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permafrost

/ˈpɜːrməfrɒst/ noun · British & US
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What does permafrost mean?

Permafrost is a type of soil or rock that remains frozen for two or more consecutive years, typically found in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. It is composed of a mixture of soil, sand, and rock that has been frozen for an extended period. Permafrost is a significant concern for scientists studying climate change, as it can release large amounts of methane and carbon dioxide when it thaws. In informal contexts, permafrost can also refer to a state of being frozen or stuck in a particular situation. The term is typically used in formal or scientific contexts, but can be used in a more casual sense to describe a situation that is stuck or unable to change. Permafrost is an important concept in understanding the impacts of climate change on the environment and ecosystems.

noun

Permafrost is a type of soil or rock that remains frozen for two or more consecutive years.

Example

"The permafrost in the Arctic region is a significant concern for scientists studying climate change, as it can release large amounts of methane and carbon dioxide when it thaws."

Permafrost is typically used in formal or scientific contexts to refer to the type of soil or rock that remains frozen for an extended period.

noun

Permafrost can also refer to a state of being frozen or stuck in a particular situation.

Example

"The company's sales have been stuck in a permafrost, unable to grow or increase revenue."

In informal contexts, permafrost can refer to a state of being frozen or stuck in a particular situation.

Plural permafrosts

The plural form of permafrost is typically used to refer to multiple areas of permafrost or to describe a situation where multiple things are stuck or frozen.

Example

"The permafrosts in the Arctic region are a significant concern for scientists studying climate change."

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Etymology of permafrost

The word permafrost comes from the Russian word 'pmrfrost', which refers to the type of soil or rock that remains frozen for an extended period. The term was adopted into English in the mid-20th century to describe the type of soil or rock found in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.

How permafrost is actually used

Permafrost is typically used in formal or scientific contexts to refer to the type of soil or rock that remains frozen for an extended period. In informal contexts, it can also refer to a state of being frozen or stuck in a particular situation.

What's another word for permafrost?

What's the opposite of permafrost?

Rhymes with permafrost