Alaska: One of the United States. An Indian word meaning "great country," "continent," or "great land." It was encountered by Russian explorers as Al-ay-es-ka, the name having since changed through Aliaska, Alaksa, Alashka, to its present form. When purchased by the United States, the names of Walrussia, American Siberia, Zero Islands, and Polario were suggested, but Alaska was adopted in accordance with a proposition of Charles Sumner.

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