glaciate
|gla-ci-ate|
/ˈɡleɪ.si.eɪt/
cover with ice / be covered by ice
Etymology
'glaciate' originates from French, specifically the word 'glacier' (derived from French 'glace'), where 'glace' meant 'ice'.
'glaciate' was formed in English by combining French 'glacier' with the Latin-derived verb-forming suffix '-ate'; the ultimate root is Latin 'glacies' meaning 'ice'.
Initially associated simply with 'making or becoming ice,' the term gained a specialized geological sense of 'being covered or shaped by glaciers' in later usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to cover with ice or to convert into ice; to form a layer of ice on.
Cold weather can glaciate puddles and sidewalks overnight.
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Verb 2
(Geology) To subject a region or surface to glaciation; to be covered or reshaped by glaciers.
During past ice ages many valleys were glaciated, leaving behind moraines and U-shaped troughs.
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Adjective 1
covered by ice or glaciers (form of the verb: glaciated).
The glaciated landscape still shows clear evidence of ancient ice movement.
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Last updated: 2026/01/14 21:09