antarctic circle

noun

often capitalized A&C
: the parallel of latitude that is approximately 66¹/₂ degrees south of the equator and that circumscribes the southern frigid zone

Word History

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antarctic circle was in 1556

Dictionary Entries Near antarctic circle

Cite this Entry

“Antarctic circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antarctic%20circle. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

antarctic circle

noun
often capitalized A&C
: the parallel of latitude that is approximately 66½ degrees south of the equator

More from Merriam-Webster on antarctic circle

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!