iceberg

[ahys-burg]

noun

1. a large floating mass of ice, detached from a glacier and carried out to sea.

2. Informal.,  an emotionally cold person.

3. Australian Informal.,  a person who swims or surfs regularly in winter.

iceberg

/ ˈaɪsbɜːɡ /

noun

1. a large mass of ice floating in the sea, esp a mass that has broken off a polar glacier

2. the small visible part of something, esp a problem or difficulty, that is much larger

3. slang,  a person considered to have a cold or reserved manner

iceberg

1. A massive body of floating ice that has broken away from a glacier or ice field. Most of an iceberg lies underwater, but because ice is not as dense as water, about one ninth of it remains above the surface.

iceberg

1. A large piece of ice that has broken away from a glacier at the shore and floated out to sea.

Most of the ice in an iceberg is underwater, leaving only the “tip of the iceberg” visible — a fact that is often alluded to in discussions of subjects in which the most important aspects are hidden from view.

Word History and Origins

Origin of iceberg¹

1765–75; half Anglicization, half adoption of Dutch ijsberg ice mountain; cognate with German Eisberg, Swedish isberg

Word History and Origins

Origin of iceberg¹

C18: probably part translation of Middle Dutch ijsberg ice mountain; compare Norwegian isberg

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. tip of the iceberg, the first hint or revelation of something larger or more complex.

   The new evidence in the case is just the tip of the iceberg.

Example Sentences

Dr Ingala Smith said the organisation was "dealing with the tip of the iceberg" as there were "many more" cases of violence that did not result in death.

From BBC

Some experts warn that recent escalations could be the tip of the iceberg, however, as many fundamental economic issues remain unresolved.

From BBC

Massive shopping centers are just the tip of the iceberg of this 30-square-mile city that boasts historic architecture, an innovative theater scene and more than 50 parks.

From Los Angeles Times

Konstantin Akinsha said publicly known cases of disputed works by Malevich and other artists of the period were only "the tip of the iceberg," adding that "thousands of questionable works continue to circulate today".

From BBC

He’s sung with Lady Gaga, kissed Ariana Grande and portrayed the iceberg that sank the Titanic.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abstract 
• candid 
• detached 
• disinterested 
• sober 
• unbiased 
• unemotional