Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - arctic

 I. adjective  Etymology: Middle English artik, from Latin ~us, from Greek arktikos, from arktos bear, Ursa Major, north; akin to Latin ursus bear, Sanskrit ?k?a  Date: 14th century  1. often capitalized of, or relating to, or suitable for use at the north pole or the region near it ~ waters ~ animals ~ clothing  2.  a. bitter cold ; frigid ~ air  b. cold in temper or mood an ~ smile  • ~ally adverb  II. noun  Date: 1867 a rubber overshoe reaching to the ankle or above ARCTIC  geographical name the ~ Ocean and lands in it and adjacent to it