🌨️ Near the poles 🧊 A cold region

subpolar

7.4

A cold area near the North or South Pole with short summers

noun
/sʌbˈpoʊlər/

: región subpolar

The subpolar is known for its long, harsh winters and short summers.

Examples

The subpolar regions experience long winters.
Scientists study climate change effects in the subpolar to understand global patterns.
Many unique animal species have adapted to life in the subpolar.
Many animals adapt to subpolar climates.
The subpolar region is home to unique wildlife that thrives in its cold climates.
Scientists study the subpolar ecosystems to understand their role in climate change.
Many migratory birds find refuge in subpolar habitats during their seasonal journeys.

Synonyms

subarctic

vssubpolar

1 7.2

Areas just south of the Arctic Circle that have very cold winters and short summers

is the general zone outside polar areas spanning both poles and transitional ecosystems

subantarctic

vssubpolar

7.7

Relating to areas just north of Antarctica

is the general zone outside polar areas covering transitional areas toward temperate regions

How Cold

polar region

7 3.2

subpolar

7.4

temperate zone

2 3.8

Surface Forms

subpolar singular

subpolars plural

Morphology

subpolar = polar (transparent) = sub + polar

The noun sense names the region denoted by the adjective formed from 'sub-' + 'polar'; the composition is still directly interpretable from its parts.

Etymology

The word subpolar combines sub- meaning 'below' and polar, which refers to the pole, as in the North or South Pole. So a subpolar is an area 'just below' the poles, with cold, often changing weather between polar and warmer zones.