The Greek adjective ἀρκτικός (arktikós) came from the Greek noun ἄρκτος (árctos), meaning “a bear.” The adjective arctic was used in ancient Greek to refer to northerly regions under the constellation Bear (Ursa Major). Thus, the Antarctic region at the south pole is ἀντί (antí)-arctic, or “opposite of” the Arctic.
Friday, January 5, 2024