Definition of POLYNYA

polynya

Plural: polynyas, polynyi

Noun

  • An area of open water surrounded by sea ice.
  • a stretch of open water surrounded by ice (especially in Arctic seas)
  • A naturally formed transient area of open water surrounded by sea ice, especially in polar or subpolar seas.

Examples

  • Playing POLYNYA created an open space on the crowded Words With Friends board.

Origin / Etymology

Borrowed from Russian полынья́ (polynʹjá, “polynya”) in the 1850s, from Middle Russian полыньѧ (polynʹja) (att. in 1639), from полыи (polyi, “open from above, uncovered; hollow”), whence also Russian полый (polyj, “hollow”), from Old East Slavic полъ (polŭ, “uncovered”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *pleh₂- (“flat”). The rare plural form polynyi is borrowed from Russian полыньи́ (polynʹí).

Synonyms

glade

Scrabble Score: 15

polynya: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
polynya: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
polynya: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 16

polynya: valid Words With Friends Word