Definition

A large piece of floating ice that has broken off from a bigger ice mass and is found on the surface of water.

Example

The polar bear walked across the ice floe in search of food.

Conversation

Did you see those huge chunks of ice floating out on the lake?

Yeah, I think they're called floes when they break off like that.

It's amazing how they drift around with the current.

I know! It's like nature's own little ice sculptures.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'floe' originates from the Old Norse word 'fló', meaning a flat piece of ice. It refers specifically to a large, flat mass of floating ice in a body of water.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'flat piece of ice' from the Old Norse, which helps you remember that a 'floe' is a flat mass of ice floating on water.

Visually Confused Words