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Glite Dictionary
piolet

piolet

9.9
A metal tool with a pointed end that climbers use to cut steps in ice
  • noun
  • /ˈpiːoʊleɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : piolet
  • The climber gripped his piolet to carve a step into the glacier.

Examples

  • She packed her piolet, crampons, and rope for the ascent.

  • A sturdy piolet is essential for traversing steep, icy slopes.

  • He used a piolet to climb the icy slope.

  • The piolet is essential for mountaineering.

  • A sturdy piolet is essential for traversing steep, icy slopes.

  • She packed her piolet, crampons, and rope for the ascent.

  • The climber gripped his piolet to carve a step into the glacier.

Synonyms

ice ax
vspiolet
  • Specialized
2 6.8

A tool with a sharp point and flat blade that cuts steps in ice and helps climbers stay safe

focuses on the pointed end used mainly to cut footholds in ice

How Suitable

piolet
  • Specialized
9.9
pickaxe
  • UK
9 5.1

Surface Forms

piolet singular
piolets plural

Etymology

Piolet comes from French and the ending -et means 'small', so the word points to a 'little pick' used in the mountains. Think of the English word pick — that's why a piolet is the pointed ice axe climbers use to cut steps and hold themselves on ice.