The analysis of a set of Inuit words associated with the "ice," collected in west and east Greenland (Kalaallisut and Tunumiisut), shows how polysynthesis works in lexical morphology. Many lexical items can be easily segmented, and a single root can be used as a base for a number of lexical items with a variety of senses. These words often take the form of an explanatory and/or descriptive comment on the reality referred to. They frequently express some impression or certainty deriving from the observation of nature. They may also convey something of the functions and attributes of their referents.