'arctic-dwelling' originates from the combination of 'arctic,' which comes from the Greek word 'arktikos,' meaning 'of the bear,' and 'dwelling,' from Old English 'dwellan,' meaning 'to lead astray or hinder.'

'arktikos' transformed into the Latin 'arcticus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'arctic.' 'Dwellan' evolved into 'dwell,' and combined with 'arctic' to form 'arctic-dwelling.'

Initially, 'arktikos' referred to the northern constellation of the Great Bear, and 'dwellan' meant 'to lead astray.' Over time, 'arctic' came to refer to the northern polar region, and 'dwelling' to living in a place.