ClimateAugust 30, 2026

glaciologist

glay-shee-OL-uh-jist

Definition

A scientist who specializes in the study of glaciers, ice sheets, and their behavior, including their movement, melting, and impact on the environment.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'glacies' (ice) and the Greek suffix '-logist' (one who studies), the term emerged in the 19th century to describe professionals focused on the study of ice masses.

In the news

The article quotes a glaciologist to explain how climate change is accelerating the melting of Himalayan glaciers, which in turn increases the risk of catastrophic floods in Nepal.

Disturbing Nepal floods expose the ‘perfect storm’ of climate change and aid cuts

Read the full article ↗

The Herald

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.