alpine

American  

[al-pahyn, -pin] / ˈæl paɪn, -pɪn /

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, on, or part of any lofty mountain.

2. very high; elevated.

3. Alpine, of, pertaining to, on, or part of the Alps.

4. Botany. growing on mountains above the limit of tree growth.

   alpine plants.

5. Often Alpine of or relating to downhill skiing or a competitive downhill skiing event.

6. Anthropology. Alpine, (no longer in technical use) having the features characteristic of an Alpine.

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noun

1. Anthropology. Alpine, (no longer in technical use) a member of a Caucasoid people found in central Europe and characterized by heavy body build, medium complexion, and straight to wavy hair.

Alpine ¹ British  

/ ˈælpaɪn /

adjective

1. of or relating to the Alps or their inhabitants

2. geology

   1. of or relating to an episode of mountain building in the Tertiary period during which the Alps were formed

   2. of or relating to a high mountainous environment heavily modified by glacial erosion

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alpine ² British  

/ ˈælpaɪn /

adjective

1. of or relating to high mountains

2. (of plants) growing on mountains, esp above the limit for tree growth

3. connected with or used in mountaineering in medium-sized glaciated mountain areas such as the Alps

4. skiing of or relating to racing events on steep prepared slopes, such as the slalom and downhill Compare nordic

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noun

1. a plant that is native or suited to alpine conditions

alpine Scientific  

/ ăl′pīn′ /

1. Resembling or characteristic of the European Alps or any other high mountain system, especially one that has been shaped by intense glacial erosion.

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Usage

What is Alpine skiing? Alpine is a classification in the sport of skiing that specifically refers to forms of what’s sometimes also called downhill skiing—events that take place on a downhill course with the objective of crossing the finish line in the shortest possible amount of time.The terms Alpine and Alpine skiing are used in contrast with Nordic and Nordic skiing, which includes cross-country skiing and ski jumping. Both alpine and nordic are sometimes left uncapitalized.Alpine events include the slalom, the giant slalom, the super giant slalom (popularly called Super G)—all of which involve a course marked by poles or gates—as well as the event straightforwardly known as downhill, which takes place on a relatively straight downhill course (without gates).All of these are events in the Winter Olympics, grouped under the category officially called Alpine Skiing. There are also Alpine skiing events in the Paralympic Winter Games.The skis used in Alpine skiing differ from those used in Nordic skiing in shape, size, and structure.Example: Of all the Alpine events at the Winter Olympics, my favorite is giant slalom.

Other Word Forms

• alpinely adverb

Etymology

Origin of alpine

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin Alpīnus, equivalent to Alp(ēs) (plural) “the Alps” + -īnus adjective suffix; -ine ¹

Example Sentences

Christian Petersen: Covering alpine skiing is one of the most challenging and rewarding assignments for me.

From BBC

My friends and I had alpine winter bags that were thick and insulated.

From Los Angeles Times

Miniutti, who is originally from Massachusetts, and learned to snowboard on the freezing, icy hills of New England, still prefers the alpine experience on the West Coast.

From Los Angeles Times

The alpine village, nestled in the Cascade mountains 120 miles east of Seattle, transforms each December into what Travel + Leisure calls one of America’s “best Christmas towns.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Reflections on the dangers of the alpine environment serve to sharpen the sense of an encounter with the extraordinary.

From The Wall Street Journal