Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A volcanic island in the North Atlantic Ocean: A large island located near the Arctic Circle, known for its dramatic volcanic and geothermal activity.
   • A sovereign island nation: A republic comprising the island of Iceland, which gained full independence from Denmark in 1944.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun:
  • Iceland is famous for its geysers, glaciers, and waterfalls.
  • They traveled to Iceland to see the Northern Lights.
  • The Republic of Iceland is a member of NATO.

Advanced Usage

• "The Iceland of the South": A metaphorical phrase sometimes used to describe other remote, volcanic, or glaciated regions, such as parts of Patagonia or Antarctica, drawing a comparison to Iceland's landscape.
  • The researchers referred to the icy volcanic peninsula as the Iceland of the South.

Variants and Related Words

• Icelander (noun): A native or inhabitant of Iceland.
  • The Icelander explained the local folklore.
• Icelandic (proper noun): The North Germanic language spoken in Iceland.
  • She is learning to speak Icelandic.
• Icelandic (adjective): Of or relating to Iceland, its people, or its language.
  • We sampled traditional Icelandic cuisine.

Synonyms

• Republic of Iceland: The official name of the country.
• Ísland: The native name for Iceland in the Icelandic language.

Related Phrases

• "Iceland spar": A transparent variety of calcite crystal historically used in navigation, also known for its optical properties.
  • Vikings might have used Iceland spar as a sunstone for navigation.

Related Idioms

• "Cool as Iceland": An informal, playful idiom suggesting something or someone is very calm, composed, or literally cold. (Note: This is a creative, non-standard idiom formed by analogy to phrases like "cool as a cucumber").
  • Even during the crisis, the project manager remained as cool as Iceland.

Noun

1. a volcanic island in the North Atlantic near the Arctic Circle
2. an island republic on the island of Iceland; became independent of Denmark in 1944