Mountains definitions and example sentences on Wordnik

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Definitions (25)

American Heritage Dictionary (3)

noun A natural elevation of the earth's surface having considerable mass, generally steep sides, and a height greater than that of a hill.
noun A large heap: a mountain of laundry.
noun A huge quantity: a mountain of trouble.

Century Dictionary (18)

An elevation of land of considerable dimensions rising more or less abruptly above the surrounding or adjacent region. Ordinarily no elevation is called a mountain which does not form a conspicuous figure in the landscape; hence, what is a mountain in one region might be regarded as simply a hill in another. A region may have great elevation above the sea-level, but not be recognized as a mountain. Thus, the Plains, or the region between the Missouri and the Rocky Mountains, have an elevation on their western edge as great as that of the highest points of the Appalachian range. Elevated regions not mountains are often called plateaus. Elevations, although of considerable height, if quite isolated or precipitous, are often called rocks: as, the Rock of Gibraltar. Peak is occasionally used in the same way: as, Pike's Peak; the Peak of Teneriffe; and in the United States, in regions formerly occupied or explored by the French, the word butte is employed with a somewhat similar meaning, while mound is used over a considerable extent of country, especially in Wisconsin, as nearly the equivalent of butte or mount. For ranges or connected series of mountains, see mountain-chain. We retourned towardes Iherusalem by the mountaynes of Jude. Sir R. Guylford, Pylgrymage, p. 38. Mountains interpos'd Make enemies of nations. Cowper, Task, ii. 17. 'Tis distance lends enchantment to the view, And robes the mountain in its azure hue. Campbell, Pleasures of Hope, i. 7.
Something resembling a mountain in being large; something of extraordinary magnitude; a great heap: as, a mountain of rubbish. So many hadde thei slayn of men and of horse that the mounteins of bodyes were a-boute hem so grete that noon myght come to hem but launchinge. Merlin (E. E. T. S.), ii. 333. If it can confer anie thinge to the montan of your Majesties praise, and it were but a clod use it and the auctour as yours. A. Hume, Orthographie (E. E. T. S.), Ded., p. 3. See skulking Truth to her old cavern fied, Mountains of Casuistry heap'd o'er her head ! Pope, Dunciad, iv. 642.
A wine made from grapes grown on high ground. See II., 2. Very little old Mountain or Malaga sweet wine is grown. Redding, Modern Wines (1851), p. 201.

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I took another look at the sky when we had left the hotel and did not much like what I saw, for the mountains were already beginning to be shrouded and I fancied that there was rain in the air. — Cold, Lone and Still - Gladys Mitchell - Bradley 64
When the clouds lifted the mountains were amazing. — TravelPod.com Recent Updates
The scenery is extremely picturesque in places, changing to the stupendous as the mountains are approached. — Mexico Its Ancient and Modern Civilisation, History, Political Conditions, Topography, Natural Resources, Industries and General Development
The man of the mountains was absorbing some of the little man's enthusiasm. — David Lannarck, Midget An Adventure Story
Already a pearly glimmer pulsed along the east; already the mountains were awake and aware. — The Great Amulet

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mountains

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