Search Dictionary
Definition of permafrost

permafrost

/ˈpɜːrməfrɔːst/
per · ma · frost
Plural:permafrosts
JUMP TO:

permafrost Lexical Profile

permafrost Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A thick subsurface layer of soil, rock, or sediment in polar and high-altitude regions of the northern and southern hemispheres that remains continuously frozen below zero degrees Celsius for two or more consecutive years.

Example

"Rising global temperatures are causing the Arctic permafrost to thaw, releasing ancient trapped greenhouse gases into the atmosphere."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for permafrost

• Nearby Words

perky
perm
permaculture
permafrost
permalink
permanence
permanency

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1943 by the American geologist Siemon William Muller as a blend of "permanent" and "frost."

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Permafrost. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/permafrost
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.