permafrost

noun

per·​ma·​frost ˈpər-mə-ˌfrȯst How to pronounce permafrost (audio)
: a permanently frozen layer at variable depth below the surface in frigid regions of a planet (such as earth)

Examples of permafrost in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And who knows what paleolithic plagues wait in the permafrost to be thawed? Mark Gongloff, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025 The thawing of methane-rich permafrost or the collapse of critical systems like the Atlantic Ocean currents could accelerate warming and other climate impacts beyond human control. David Carlin, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025 This year, nine out of 20 permafrost monitoring sites reported record-high temperatures. Umair Irfan, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 This follows a year of concerning signs from the region, including intense wildfires and thawing permafrost pumping out planet-heating pollution. Laura Paddison, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for permafrost

Word History

Etymology

permanent + frost

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of permafrost was in 1943

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Cite this Entry

“Permafrost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/permafrost. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

permafrost

noun
per·​ma·​frost ˈpər-mə-ˌfrȯst How to pronounce permafrost (audio)
: a permanently frozen layer at variable depth below the surface in frigid regions of a planet (as earth)

More from Merriam-Webster on permafrost

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