Want to become an expert on Mt. Everest and mountain
climbing? First you need to know the language of climbing.
Altitude: Height above sea level.
Assault team: Two or more climbers who attempt to reach
a mountain summit.
Avalanche: A mass of snow, ice, or rock pouring down
a mountainside.
Base camp: A central setup of tents where food, equipment,
and medical supplies are stored; a relay site for climbers.
Buddhist: (adj.), Based on the teachings of Buddha; (n.),
a member of the religion that adheres to the teachings of Buddha.
Col: A depression or pass in a mountain range.
Cornice: An overhanging mass of hardened snow at the
edge of a ridge, usually formed by wind.
Cwm: (pronounced coom) A valley on the side of a hill
or mountain.
Crampon: Metal frame with spikes worn on hiking boots
for ice climbs.
Crevasse: A deep, open crack in a glacier.
Icefall: A cascade of ice that results when a glacier
descends over a changing slope of ground beneath.
Ice pick: (also called ice axe) A tool for chopping
ice or securing oneself while climbing over ice.
Oxygen system: A system of oxygen tanks carried by
climbers. A "closed system" allows climbers to breathe pure oxygen from the tank;
an "open system" allows climbers to breathe a mixture of pure oxygen and outside
air.
Porter: A person who carries supplies.
Sherpa: A clan of people originally from Tibet who
live along Nepal's mountainous eastern border with Tibet.
Sirdar: A Sherpa leader on a mountaineering or trekking
expedition.
Summit: The highest point.
Traverse: (v.), To cross a mountain slope; (n.), a steep
slope that has to be climbed from side to side.
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