Icelandic
UK: aɪsˈlændɪk | US: aɪsˈlændɪk
adj. relating to Iceland, its people, or their language
n. the North Germanic language spoken in Iceland
The word "Icelandic" derives from "Iceland," which combines "ice" (Old English īs) and "land" (Old English land), referring to the icy terrain of the island. The suffix "-ic" (from Latin -icus via Old French) forms adjectives meaning "pertaining to." The term reflects the island’s Norse settlement (9th century) and the preservation of Old Norse in its language, making Icelandic uniquely archaic among Germanic languages.
Icelandic sagas are medieval literary masterpieces.
She is fluent in Icelandic and Danish.
The Icelandic landscape is dominated by volcanoes and glaciers.
Icelandic wool is known for its durability.
He studies Icelandic folklore at university.