subarctic

[ suhb-ahrk-tik, -ahr-tik ]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, similar to, or being the region immediately south of the Arctic Circle; subpolar.

subarctic

/ sʌbˈɑːktɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to latitudes immediately south of the Arctic Circle

subarctic

/ sŭb′-ärk′tĭk,-är′tĭk /

1. Relating to the geographic area just south of the Arctic Circle. The subarctic region is the coldest part of the North Temperate Zone, characterized by warm but very brief summers, and bitterly cold winters. Little vegetation exists in this climate, as temperatures are extreme, ranging from below −30°C (−22°F) in the winter and as warm as 30°C (86°F) in the summer.

Word History and Origins

Origin of subarctic¹

First recorded in 1850–55; sub- + Arctic

Example Sentences

Although the subarctic conditions of Newfoundland did yield materials chemically analogous to those in Gale Crater, this did not happen in the warmer climates like California and Nevada.

From Salon

In this study, the researchers visited a subarctic grassland in Iceland that has undergone over half a century of geothermal warming, resulting in elevated soil temperatures compared to surrounding areas.

From Science Daily

Calendula is cultivated in gardens worldwide from subarctic regions to the tropics.

From National Geographic

They usually reside in Arctic and subarctic latitudes — and, when venturing south, they stick to high altitudes — because they rely on snowfall to survive.

From Salon

In June, a fire got close to the subarctic, mostly indigenous hamlet of Fort Chipewyan, in northern Alberta.

From Washington Times