artico

Artico is a term used in Italian and in some Romance languages with several related meanings. Primarily, it is the adjective meaning Arctic or polar and is used to describe things connected with the northern polar region. When capitalized as Artico, it can function as a geographic designation in proper names, for example in phrases such as Polo Artico or mare Artico, referring to the Arctic region. In this sense, Artico is closely aligned with the English word Arctic.

The term derives from Latin Arcticus, itself from Greek arktikos, which is linked to arktos, the word for “bear” and to the northward direction. The association with the bear historically connects to the constellations used for navigation in northern latitudes.

In contemporary usage, artico appears in scientific and general language to describe climates, ecosystems, and phenomena characteristic of the Arctic, such as sea ice, permafrost, and low temperatures. It also appears in geographic naming and in cultural contexts where Italian is used.

Beyond its geographic sense, Artico is used as a surname in Italian-speaking communities and may appear in brand names or company titles, though no single entity dominates its usage internationally.

Related terms include Arctic and Arktikos, and Cerchio Artico, the Italian expression for the Arctic Circle.