glaciation

noun

gla·​ci·​a·​tion ˌglās(h)ēˈāshən How to pronounce glaciation (audio)
plural -s
1
a
: the action or process of becoming ice : freezing
the glaciation of clouds
b
: the formation of ice sheets
specifically : the formation of glaciers
an age of extensive glaciation
2
a
: the condition of being covered by ice sheets or glaciers
specifically : glacial
deposits laid down during the period of the second glaciation American Anthropologist
b(1)
: subjection to the action of glaciers
cycles of weathering and glaciationRussell Lord
(2)
: the effects produced by the action of glaciers
glaciation that is clearly evident throughout the area

Word History

Etymology

probably from (assumed) New Latin glaciation-, glaciatio, from Latin glaciatus + -ion-, -io -ion

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Cite this Entry

“Glaciation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glaciation. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

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