Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Prusik knot

noun
Prus·​ik knot | \ prəsik-\

Definition of Prusik knot

: a knot that is used in mountaineering for tying a small sling to a climbing rope as an aid to one who has fallen into a crevasse and that holds fast when weighted but is movable when unweighted

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for Prusik knot

from the name Prusik

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Prusik knot

Dictionary Entries near Prusik knot

pruritic

pruritus

prusiano

Prusik knot

Prusik sling

Prusiner

Prussia

Statistics for Prusik knot

Look-up Popularity

Comments on Prusik knot

What made you want to look up Prusik knot? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

gnomic

Listen to the pronounciation of gnomic

characterized by aphorism

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Farm Idioms Quiz

  • cow coming home
  • What does 'poke' refer to in the expression 'pig in a poke'?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games