glacial

adjective

gla·​cial ˈglā-shəl 

1

: suggestive of ice: such as

a

: extremely cold : frigid

a glacial wind

b

: devoid of warmth and cordiality

a glacial handshake

c

: coldly imperturbable

maintained a glacial calm

2

: of a purity marked by the tendency to readily solidify in the form of ice-like crystals

glacial acetic acid

3

a(1)

: of, relating to, or being any of those parts of geologic time from Precambrian onward when a much larger portion of the earth was covered by glaciers than at present

(2)

capitalized : pleistocene

b

: of, relating to, or produced by glaciers

c

: suggestive of the very slow movement of glaciers

progress on the bill has been glacial

glacially

ˈglā-shə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• algid
• arctic
• bitter
• bone-chilling
• chill
• chilly
• cold
• coldish
• cool
• coolish
• freezing
• frigid
• frosty
• gelid
• ice-cold
• icy
• nipping
• nippy
• numbing
• polar
• shivery
• snappy
• wintry
• wintery

Examples of glacial in a Sentence

Progress on the bill has been glacial.

a glacial weather front coming down from Canada will bring freezing temperatures this weekend

Recent Examples on the Web

Clear walls offer uninterrupted views of glacial icefalls and the shimmering frozen lake just outside, giving guests the ultimate front-row seat to nature’s icy masterpiece. —Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

The Ice Age Interpretive Center also offers a look at the glacial history of the area. —Laura Schulte, Journal Sentinel, 27 Nov. 2024

Still, the glacial pace of reform means doubts fester. —Charlie Campbell, TIME, 21 Nov. 2024

This island state has long been considered one of Australia’s most rugged, thanks to its jaw-dropping landscapes filled with glacial lakes, lush rain forests, and vertical sea cliffs. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin glacialis, from glacies

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

glacial

adjective

gla·​cial ˈglā-shəl 

1

a

: extremely cold : frigid

b

: lacking warmth of feeling

2

a

: of, relating to, or produced by glaciers

b

: of, relating to, or being any of those parts of geologic time when a large portion of the earth was covered by glaciers

c

capitalized : pleistocene