massif

[ ma-seef, mas-if; French ma-seef ]

noun

1. a compact portion of a mountain range, containing one or more summits.
2. a large elevated block of old complex rocks resistant to both erosion and crustal folding.
3. a band or zone of the earth's crust raised or depressed as a unit and bounded by faults.

massif

/ masif; ˈmæsiːf /

noun

1. a geologically distinct mass of rock or a series of connected masses forming the peaks of a mountain range
2. a topographically high part of the earth's crust that is bounded by faults and may be shifted by tectonic movements

massif

/ mă-sēf′ /

1. A large mountain mass or compact group of connected mountains forming an independent portion of a range. A massif often consists of rocks that are more rigid than the surrounding rocks.

Word History and Origins

Origin of massif¹

1515–25; < French, noun use of massif massive

Word History and Origins

Origin of massif¹

C19: from French, noun use of massif massive

Example Sentences

The massif rocks contain lots of olivine, a mineral that reacts with water in a process called serpentinization.

From Science Magazine

Or, some gentle action for nature-lovers, take part in a group botanical survey, identifying the flora and fauna of the Mont Blanc massif.

From National Geographic

Unlike in the Sinai, where you’re surrounded by mountains soon after landing in Sharm el Sheikh, the mountains in this section of mainland Egypt seem more jagged and imposing, clustered into massifs with fanglike peaks.

From New York Times

This stunning-looking film is set at and around Alaska’s Denali peak, and follows climbers maneuvering across the top of one of the mountain’s massifs.

From Los Angeles Times

The Tooth Traverse is a five-mile alpine route across the skyline of the Mooses Tooth massif in the Central Alaskan Range.

From New York Times

Related Words

• sierra