massif
|mas-sif|
C1
/mæˈsiːf/
large compact mass (often of mountains)
Etymology
Etymology Information
'massif' originates from French, specifically the word 'massif', where 'masse' meant 'mass'.
Historical Evolution
'massif' came into English from French 'massif' (19th century usage), which in turn derived from Old French 'masse' and Latin 'massa'.
Meaning Changes
Initially it referred to something 'massive' or 'solid', but over time it came to be used especially for a large compact mountain mass or a coherent block of crust.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a compact group or block of connected mountains; a large mountain mass.
The Mont Blanc massif attracts climbers from all over the world.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/13 02:40