polynya

polynya Definition

po·lynya (pä lin′yə, päl′in yä′)

noun

a usually oblong area of open water surrounded by sea ice

Etymology: Russ polyn'ya < polyi, hollow < OSlav *pol-no-, level area < IE base *plā-, broad, flat > plane, floor

polynya Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

coastal: Coastal polynyas are known to be important regions for sea-ice production.

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