Oceanic describes anything related to the ocean or having qualities like the ocean. An oceanic expedition explores the deep sea. An oceanic climate is one heavily influenced by nearby seas, with mild temperatures and plenty of moisture. When scientists study oceanic currents, they're tracking how water moves through the world's vast seas.

The word can also describe something enormous or overwhelming, like the ocean itself. A student might feel oceanic relief after finishing a difficult project, or a reader might experience an oceanic sense of wonder after finishing an amazing book. The idea is that the feeling is as vast and deep as the sea.

The five oceanic divisions (Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern) cover more than 70 percent of Earth's surface. These massive bodies of water regulate our climate, produce most of our oxygen through tiny plants called phytoplankton, and contain ecosystems we're still discovering. When you think oceanic, think vast, powerful, and connected to the seas that shape our planet.