Definition

1. Noun:
   • A geological period of long-term reduction in Earth's temperature: An "ice age" is any extended period in Earth's history when global temperatures are significantly lower, resulting in the expansion of continental and polar ice sheets and glaciers.
   • A specific glacial period within a longer ice age: The term is also used to refer to the individual glacial advances (cold periods with extensive ice) that occur within a longer ice age cycle.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Scientists study fossils to understand life during the last ice age.
  • The Pleistocene epoch is known for its recurring ice ages.
  • An ice age can dramatically alter the planet's geography and climate.

Advanced Usage

• "the Ice Age" (capitalized): Often refers specifically to the most recent glacial period, the Pleistocene Ice Age.
  • Mammoths and saber-toothed cats roamed during the Ice Age.
• "little ice age": Refers to a period of regional cooling, notably between the 14th and 19th centuries, which was less severe than a full geological ice age.
  • The "little ice age" affected European agriculture and settlement patterns.

Variants and Related Words

• Glacial period (n): A colder phase within an ice age when ice sheets advance.
  • We are currently in an interglacial period, a warmer phase between glacial periods.
• Interglacial (n/adj): A warmer period between glacial advances within an ice age.
  • The Holocene epoch is an interglacial period.
• Icehouse Earth (n): A climatic state characterized by the presence of polar ice sheets and recurring ice ages.

Synonyms

• Glacial epoch
• Glaciation period

Related Phrases

• Ice age cycle: The repeated pattern of glacial and interglacial periods.
  • The Earth's orbit influences the ice age cycle.

Noun

1. any period of time during which glaciers covered a large part of the earth's surface
   • the most recent ice age was during the Pleistocene