1
a
: of or relating to a geographic pole or the region around it
b
: coming from or having the characteristics of such a region
c(1)
: passing over a celestial body's north and south poles
a satellite in a polar orbit
(2)
: traveling in a polar orbit
a polar satellite
2
: of or relating to one or more poles (as of a magnet)
3
: serving as a guide
a polar principle
a polar theory
4
: diametrically opposite
polar positions on the issue
5
: exhibiting polarity
especially
: having a dipole or characterized by molecules having dipoles
a polar solvent
6
: resembling a pole or axis around which all else revolves : pivotal
polar events
7
: of, relating to, or expressed in polar coordinates
polar equations
also
: of or relating to a polar coordinate system
: a straight line related to a point
specifically
: the straight line joining the points of contact of the tangents from a point exterior to a conic section
Synonyms
Examples of polar in a Sentence
Adjective
They took polar positions on the issue.
She and I are good friends even though we're polar opposites.
Recent Examples on the Web
Gemma Harris, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2024
Despite being polar opposite signs, these two complement each other very well, particularly in matters concerning home, tradition, and family values.
—Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 29 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for polar 
Adjective
Penguin colonies, whales breaching across the yacht’s bow, and herds of seals offer some of the best polar experiences available.
—Gemma Harris, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2024
Despite being polar opposite signs, these two complement each other very well, particularly in matters concerning home, tradition, and family values.
—Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 29 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for polar
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polar.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near polar
Cite this Entry
“Polar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polar. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
polar
adjective
po·lar
ˈpō-lər 
1
: of or relating to one or more poles (as of a spherical body)
2
: exhibiting polarity
especially
: having a dipole or characterized by molecules having dipoles
a polar solvent
3
: being at opposite ends of a spectrum of symptoms or manifestations
polar types of leprosy
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