ClimateSeptember 7, 2026

massif

ma-SEEF

Definition

A large, distinct mountain mass or compact group of mountains that are structurally connected and separated from surrounding land by faults or other structural features.

Etymology

The word comes from the French word 'massif,' which originally meant 'massive' or 'solid' in a geological sense, derived from the Latin 'massa' (a lump or dough).

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the Langtang Lirung massif, the specific mountain block where a flank collapse triggered the devastating flash flood in Nepal.

The climate warning from Nepal’s Rasuwa flood disaster

Read the full article ↗

Himal Southasian

Related words

aconite

A herbaceous plant belonging to the buttercup family, noted for its early appearance in…

Climate

aicene

A suffix used to denote a specific geological or historical epoch characterized by…

Climate

graziers

Farmers or ranchers who specialize in raising livestock, particularly sheep or cattle, on…

Climate

liverworts

A small, non-vascular, flowerless plant that grows in moist habitats, often appearing as…

Climate

lousewort

A type of low-growing parasitic flowering plant that derives nutrients by attaching its…

Climate

resprouting

The act of a plant or tree growing new shoots or stems from existing stumps or root…

Climate

Learn words like this every day

Meet new words every morning.

Newspoken pulls carefully chosen words from the day’s news — with clear definitions, context, and light review that makes them stick. Get it on your phone.