Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Piton Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🧗
Add to dictionary

piton

[ˈpiːtɒn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

climbing gear

A piton is a metal spike that is driven into a rock face to serve as an anchor point for climbing. Climbers use them to secure their ropes and ensure safety while ascending or descending. They come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different types of climbing terrains.

Synonyms

anchor, anchor point, spike.

Examples of usage

  • He hammered the piton into the rock to secure his rope.
  • The experienced climber always carried extra pitons for safety.
  • Using a piton can make a difficult climb more manageable.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Climbing Techniques

  • Piton was widely used before modern climbing gear like cams and nuts became popular.
  • Climbers pound pitons into cracks or ledges in the rock to create secure points for attaching ropes.
  • They are often made of steel or aluminum, with variations designed for different types of rock.

Pop Culture

  • Piton appears in many climbing movies and documentaries, showcasing the challenges faced by climbers.
  • Famous climbers like Reinhold Messner and Yvon Chouinard have used pitons during their iconic ascents.

Safety and Innovation

  • The use of pitons is often debated in climbing circles due to concerns about rock damage and safety.
  • Innovations in climbing gear continue to lessen the reliance on pitons, promoting clean climbing.

Environmental Impact

  • The introduction of removable gear means fewer permanent marks are left on climbing routes.
  • Climbers are encouraged to use natural anchors instead of pitons to protect the environment during climbs.

Origin of 'piton'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'piton' comes from the French term for 'peg' or 'spike,' highlighting its purpose in climbing.
  • The term has been used since the early 20th century, as climbing techniques and gear started evolving.

The word 'piton' comes from the French word for 'spike' or 'peg,' which is derived from the Old French 'piton', meaning 'a small nail or peg used in climbing.' This term has been used in the context of mountaineering and climbing since the mid-20th century when such gear became common among climbers. The popularity of pitons in climbing grew with the development of rock climbing as a sport in the 1950s, where they were used to establish routes on challenging rock formations. As climbing techniques evolved, so did the use of pitons, leading to advancements in their design and material, making them safer and more effective for climbers.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,467, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.