iceberg
UK[ˈaɪsbɜːɡ]US[ˈaɪsbɜːrɡ]
n
a very large mass of ice floating in the sea, most of which is below the surface
n
a small visible part of a much larger or more complex problem or situation
Morpheme Breakdown
ice
berg
ice
berg
Etymology
the word 'iceberg' is a loan translation from the dutch word 'ijsberg', literally meaning 'ice mountain'. it entered english in the late 18th century, likely from dutch or low german sailors describing these massive floating ice formations encountered in northern seas. the term perfectly captures the visual impression of a mountain of ice. the metaphorical sense, referring to a small visible part of a larger issue, emerged in the early 20th century, famously popularized by the phrase "tip of the iceberg".
Analysis
Structure: ice + berg
ice (from old english īs, meaning frozen water); berg (from dutch berg or german berg, meaning mountain)
Examples
the ship altered its course to avoid the massive iceberg.
the complaints we've received are just the tip of the iceberg.
scientists are studying the rate at which the antarctic icebergs are melting.