arête

noun

: a sharp-crested ridge in rugged mountains

Examples of arête in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Our raison d’etre or arete is to be the world’s most durable denim. Ted Williams, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'arête.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "fish bone, edge formed by the meeting of two planes, line formed by two slopes of a mountain ridge," going back to Middle French areste — more at arris

Note: See note at arris.

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of arête was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near arête

Cite this Entry

“Arête.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ar%C3%AAte. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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