adj. 1. a. Of, relating to, or produced by a glacier. b. Extremely slow, like the movement of a glacier: Work proceeded at a glacial pace. 2. a. often Glacial Characterized or dominated by the existence of glaciers. Used of a geologic epoch. b. Pleistocene. See Table at geologic time. 4. Having the appearance of ice. 5. a. Lacking warmth and friendliness: a glacial stare. b. Coldly detached: a glacial composure. [French, from Old French, icy, from Latin glaciālis, from glaciēs, ice; see gel- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] glacial·ly adv. |
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