alpenstock
1
9.9
A long wooden stick with a metal tip used to support climbers
- noun
- /ˈæl.pən.stɑk/
- Archaic
:
bastón de montaña
- The experienced climber carried an alpenstock for balance during the ascent.
Examples
-
As she reached the peak, her trusty alpenstock provided the support she needed.
-
Climbing boots, alpenstocks, blankets.
-
He used his alpenstock to help him navigate the steep mountain trails.
Surface Forms
alpenstock singular
alpenstocks plural
Etymology
Alpenstock comes from the German words Alpen ('Alps') and Stock ('stick' or 'staff'). So an alpenstock is like a 'stick for the Alps', a strong wooden staff with a metal tip that climbers use for support and balance.