Scree: meaning, definitions and examples
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scree
[ skriː ]
geological term
Scree refers to a mass of small loose stones that cover a slope on a mountain. These stones are often a result of weathering and erosion over time, creating unstable ground that can be treacherous for hikers and climbers.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The hiker carefully navigated the scree on the mountain trail.
- Scree can be slippery, especially after rain.
- The valley was filled with steep scree slopes.
movement description
To scree means to move or fall in a manner that causes loose stones to slide down a slope. This action can be dangerous, especially on steep terrain.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He watched as the rocks screed down the hillside.
- The sudden movement caused the rocks to scree uncontrollably.
- She felt the ground scree beneath her feet.
Translations
Translations of the word "scree" in other languages:
🇵🇹 pedregulho
🇮🇳 चट्टान
🇩🇪 Schotter
🇮🇩 kerikil
🇺🇦 щебінь
🇵🇱 żwir
🇯🇵 砂利
🇫🇷 gravier
🇪🇸 grava
🇹🇷 çakıl
🇰🇷 자갈
🇸🇦 حصى
🇨🇿 štěrk
🇸🇰 štrk
🇨🇳 碎石
🇸🇮 gravel
🇮🇸 grjót
🇰🇿 тас
🇬🇪 ქვიშაქარი
🇦🇿 çınqıl
🇲🇽 grava
Etymology
The term 'scree' originated in the late 14th century, derived from the Middle English word 'scre,' which relates to 'to screen'. This etymological root suggests a connection to the idea of a protective layer, as scree often forms a bed of stones shielding the underlying soil and rock from erosion. Additionally, the word has ties to the Old Norse word 'skraða,' meaning to scrape or scoot away, indicative of how the loose stones behave. Over the centuries, 'scree' has mainly been used in geological contexts to describe a particular kind of terrain and is often associated with mountainous areas where such deposits are common due to natural processes like freeze-thaw cycles, rain, and wind that wear down larger rocks into smaller fragments. Its usage in outdoor and climbing literature has popularized the term among adventure enthusiasts, highlighting the unique challenges posed by scree in navigation and safety.