Glacier

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Glacier

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

GLASS-ee-uh (British) / GLAY-shur (American)  /ˈɡlasɪə/

Definition

A slowly moving mass of ice formed by the compaction and recrystallisation of snow, found in mountainous regions or polar areas.

Plain meaning

A glacier is a massive, slow-moving river of ice — formed from compressed snow over centuries, moving downhill under its own weight, and shaping the landscape as it goes.

Register

Technical in geology, glaciology, and climate science. Common in geography and environmental writing. Associated with Alpine exploration and Romantic period natural sublime in literary contexts.