aiguille

[ ey-gweel, ey-gweel ]

noun

1. a needlelike rock mass or mountain peak.

aiguille

/ ˈeɪɡwiːl; eɪˈɡwiːl /

noun

1. a rock mass or mountain peak shaped like a needle
2. an instrument for boring holes in rocks or masonry

aiguille

/ ā-gwēl′ /

1. A sharply pointed mountain peak found in regions that have undergone intense glaciation. Aigulles are believed to be the remnants of the elevated areas separating two adjacent cirques.

Word History and Origins

Origin of aiguille¹

1810–20; < French: literally, needle < Vulgar Latin *acūcula, alteration of Late Latin acucula, equivalent to acu ( s ) needle + -cula -cule ¹; acicula

Word History and Origins

Origin of aiguille¹

C19: French, literally: needle

Example Sentences

“Step into the Void” is the newest attraction on the uppermost terrace of Aiguille du Midi.

From The Daily Beast

But the cheque was sent from Montanvert before he had even conceived the idea of ascending the Aiguille Blanche.

From Project Gutenberg

As exciting an experience as can well be imagined took place on the Aiguille du Midi at Chamonix in 1871.

From Project Gutenberg

On the south side countless "aiguilles" pierce the sky, from le Tour on the east to the Aiguille du Goûté on the west.

From Project Gutenberg

I spent some time in sketching this spot with its unassuming little buildings, and the Aiguille du Goûté in the back ground.

From Project Gutenberg

The last-named was killed, aged 31, in a climbing accident in 1882 on the Aiguille Blanche near Courmayeur.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• crest
• hill
• mountain
• pinnacle
• roof
• spike
• summit