crampon

American  

[kram-pon] / ˈkræm pɒn /

Also crampoon

noun

1. a spiked iron plate worn on boots or shoes for aid in climbing or to prevent slipping on ice, snow, etc.

2. a device for grasping and lifting heavy loads, usually consisting of a pair of hooks suspended from a chain or cable, the upward pull on which provides tension for the hooks to grip the load on opposite sides.

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crampon British  

/ ˈkræmpən /

noun

1. one of a pair of pivoted steel levers used to lift heavy objects; grappling iron

2. (often plural) one of a pair of frames each with 10 or 12 metal spikes, strapped to boots for climbing or walking on ice or snow

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verb

1. to climb using crampons

Etymology

Origin of crampon

1275–1325; Middle English cra ( u ) mpon < Old French crampon < Old Low Franconian *krampo, cognate with Old High German krampfo, Middle Dutch crampe; cramp ²

Example Sentences

This includes not having suitable clothing and equipment, like crampons and an ice axe, not checking and fully understanding the weather forecast, like which wind speeds are too strong, and not navigating properly, he says.

From BBC

In addition to clothing that protects against the wind and cold, anyone attempting to climb steep terrain covered in snow and ice should have mountaineering boots, heavy metal crampons and an ice ax.

From Los Angeles Times

"I've already fallen about 10 times for sure," said Italian student Francesca Veronese, who told AFP she was considering buying crampons because navigating Berlin footpaths had become "very, very dangerous".

From Barron's

For one, I put crampons on my boots and headed about 3 miles south on U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Climbers venturing along the Devil's Backbone trail are advised to carry crampons and ice axes.

From BBC