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View synonyms for arete
arete
1[ahr-i-tey]
noun
the aggregate of qualities, as valor and virtue, making up good character.
Our greatest national heroes not only did extraordinary things, but had enormous arete.
arête
2[uh-reyt]
noun
Physical Geography, Geology.
a sharp rugged mountain ridge, produced by glaciation.
arête
/ əˈrɛt, əˈreɪt /
noun
a sharp ridge separating two cirques or glacial valleys in mountainous regions
arête
A sharp, narrow ridge or spur commonly found above the snow line in mountainous areas that have been sculpted by glaciers. Arêtes form as the result of the continued backward erosion of adjoining cirques.
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Word History and Origins
Origin of arete1
First recorded in 1550–70; from Greek aretḗ “excellence, virtue”
Origin of arete2
First recorded in 1860–65; from French: literally, “fishbone, ridge, bridge (of the nose),” from Old French areste “sharp ridge,” from Latin arista “ear of grain (wheat), awn”
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Word History and Origins
Origin of arete1
C19: from French: fishbone, backbone (of a fish), ridge, sharp edge, from Latin arista ear of corn, fishbone
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