alpine

[ al-pahyn, -pin ]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, on, or part of any lofty mountain.
2. very high; elevated.
3. Alpine, of, pertaining to, on, or part of the Alps.
4. Botany. growing on mountains above the limit of tree growth:

   alpine plants.

5. Often Alpine. of or relating to downhill skiing or a competitive downhill skiing event. Compare Nordic ( def 3 ).
6. Alpine, Anthropology. (no longer in technical use) having the features characteristic of an Alpine.

noun

1. Alpine, Anthropology. (no longer in technical use) a member of a Caucasoid people found in central Europe and characterized by heavy body build, medium complexion, and straight to wavy hair.

alpine

¹

/ ˈælpaɪn /

adjective

1. of or relating to high mountains
2. (of plants) growing on mountains, esp above the limit for tree growth
3. connected with or used in mountaineering in medium-sized glaciated mountain areas such as the Alps
4. skiing of or relating to racing events on steep prepared slopes, such as the slalom and downhill Compare nordic

noun

1. a plant that is native or suited to alpine conditions

Alpine

²

/ ˈælpaɪn /

adjective

1. of or relating to the Alps or their inhabitants
2. geology
   1. of or relating to an episode of mountain building in the Tertiary period during which the Alps were formed
   2. of or relating to a high mountainous environment heavily modified by glacial erosion

alpine

/ ăl′pīn′ /

1. Resembling or characteristic of the European Alps or any other high mountain system, especially one that has been shaped by intense glacial erosion.

Other Words From

• alpine·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of alpine¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin Alpīnus, equivalent to Alp(ēs) (plural) “the Alps” + -īnus adjective suffix; -ine ¹

Example Sentences

This was recalibrated when the team was rebranded as Alpine in 2021, and a new target to achieve the same aim was set - in 100 races’ time.

From BBC

This rule quirk potentially decided the race, and certainly disadvantaged Lando Norris and George Russell to the benefit of Max Verstappen and the Alpine drivers, who eventually finished on the podium.

From BBC

A red flag halted the race with the Dutchman in second, behind Alpine's Esteban Ocon, and allowed them a 'free' change of tyres.

From BBC

The other story of the day was the remarkable two-three finish for Alpine, whose previous best finish was ninth.

From BBC

But Alpine and Red Bull gambled on staying out.

From BBC