scree

noun \ ˈskrē \

|Updated on: 8 Jul 2018

Definition of scree

: an accumulation of loose stones or rocky debris lying on a slope or at the base of a hill or cliff : talus

See scree defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of scree from the Web

From Bomber Hut, a hiker can head up Penny Royal Glacier, a hanging alpine glacier, and up a scree slope to the 5,715-foot Backdoor Gap between prominent spires of the Talkeetna Mountains.

— mike campbell, Anchorage Daily News, "Proposed cabin in Hatcher Pass backcountry would boost hiking options," 16 May 2017
But without an established path, those intrepid enough to try would often get lost or return in tatters, having battled with scree and brush for miles.

— kathryn miles, BostonGlobe.com, "Yankee grit and the building of the Appalachian Trail," 13 June 2018
The scree would provide excellent, sharp drainage, but in their wild native conditions, frequent natural moisture and high humidity provide needed water.

— margaret lauterbach, idahostatesman, "Heuchera is easy to grow and adds color to gardens | Idaho Statesman," 11 Apr. 2018
Imagine East Coast ice on top of Rocky Mountain scree fields.

— jason blevins, The Denver Post, "Aspen’s John Gaston pushing America’s ski mountaineering team with top performance at World Championships," 23 Mar. 2017
One installation, made from piles of rubble and scree beguiles the clientele but confounds the cleaners.

— thomas page, CNN, "Cannes 2017: 'The Square' skewers the dark side of the art world," 24 May 2017
Escaping the domehab meant venturing outside in a full space suit and contending with miles of crumbly, sharp volcanic scree.

— National Geographic, "Here’s What It Feels Like to Spend a Year on ‘Mars’," 29 Aug. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scree.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of scree

Scots & northern English dialect, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skritha landslide, from skrītha to creep; akin to Old High German scrītan to go, Lithuanian skriesti to turn

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1781

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year