Massif
|mas-sif|
/məˈsiːf/
(massif)
large compact mass (often of mountains)
Etymology
'massif' originates from French, specifically the word 'massif', ultimately from Late Latin 'massa' meaning 'lump' or 'mass'.
'massif' was borrowed into English from French 'massif' (Modern French), which in turn comes from Old French 'masse' and Late Latin 'massa', and it entered English largely unchanged as 'massif'.
Initially it referred to something 'massive' or a 'mass/lump'; over time the meaning narrowed in English to refer especially to a compact mountain mass or a coherent crustal block.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a compact group or section of connected mountains, often forming a distinct topographic unit (e.g., the Mont Blanc massif).
The Mont Blanc Massif attracts climbers from around the world.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/20 19:37