cirque

[sɜːk]

cirque Definition

a steep-sided, half-open mountain basin, formed by glaciation.

Using cirque: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cirque" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The climbers reached the cirque after a long hike.

  • Example

    The lake in the cirque was crystal clear and surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

  • Example

    The cirque is a popular spot for ice climbing and mountaineering.

cirque Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for cirque

Phrases with cirque

  • a glacier that forms in a cirque

    Example

    The cirque glacier slowly melted away over the years.

  • a ridge of glacial debris that forms at the edge of a cirque glacier

    Example

    The cirque moraine provided a natural barrier for the lake below.

  • hanging cirque

    a cirque that is located high on a mountain slope and is not connected to a valley or other drainage system

    Example

    The hanging cirque was only accessible by helicopter.

Origins of cirque

from French 'circle', from Latin 'circulus'

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Summary: cirque in Brief

'Cirque' [sɜːk] is a noun that refers to a steep-sided, half-open mountain basin formed by glaciation. It is often surrounded by snow-capped peaks and is a popular spot for ice climbing and mountaineering. Examples include 'The climbers reached the cirque after a long hike.' and 'The lake in the cirque was crystal clear.'