adjective
alpine
AL-pyne/ˈælpaɪn/
Relating to high mountains or their environments.
Small alpine flowers grow between rocks high above the tree line.
Etymology
Latin Alpinus meant “of the Alps”; the English adjective later broadened to describe very high mountains generally. The origin of the mountain range’s name is uncertain.
In context
An alpine glacier is a glacier that moves down from mountain peaks into the valleys.
More examples
- The hikers prepare for rapidly changing alpine weather.
- An alpine meadow lies below the snowy ridge.
- The exhibit describes animals adapted to alpine conditions.
Similar words
- mountainous
- Describes terrain with mountains rather than its high-elevation environment.
- highland
- Can describe elevated regions lower than alpine zones.