couloir

[ kool-wahr; French koo-lwar ]

noun

, plural cou·loirs [kool-, wahrz, koo-, lwar].

1. a steep gorge or gully on the side of a mountain, especially in the Alps.

couloir

/ ˈkuːlwɑː; kulwar /

noun

1. a deep gully on a mountain side, esp in the French Alps

Word History and Origins

Origin of couloir¹

1850–55; < French: literally, colander < Late Latin cōlātōrium strainer, equivalent to Latin cōlā ( re ) to strain, filter + -tōrium -tory ²; coulee

Word History and Origins

Origin of couloir¹

C19: from French: corridor, from couler to pour; see coulee

Example Sentences

Their tracks were visible on the snow at the top of the couloir.

From Project Gutenberg

None came, and we felt gratified at this confirmation of our judgment as to the safety of this part of the couloir.

From Project Gutenberg

Naturally, our trust in the rocks was gone, and we took as soon as possible to the steep snow of the couloir.

From Project Gutenberg

My hat blew off here, and rolled on its stiffened brim at a tremendous pace down a couloir of ice.

From Project Gutenberg

We ascended by the right-hand couloir, if I may so term it, and then made for the gap on the ridge at the extreme westerly end.

From Project Gutenberg

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