interglacial

/ˌɪntərˈɡleɪʃəl/
adjective
  1. Occurring or existing between glacial periods (ice ages), typically referring to a warmer climate period.
    • Scientists study interglacial sediments to learn about past temperatures.
    • The current warm period is an interglacial stage that began about 11,000 years ago.
    • Interglacial climates allowed forests to grow in areas that were once covered by ice.
Antonyms
noun
  1. A period of warmer climate between ice ages.
    • The last interglacial was about 125,000 years ago and was warmer than today.
    • Human civilization developed during the current interglacial.
    • During an interglacial, sea levels rise as glaciers melt.