hogback

American  

[hawg-bak, hog-] / ˈhɔgˌbæk, ˈhɒg- /

noun

Geology.

1. a long, sharply crested ridge, generally formed of steeply inclined strata that are especially resistant to erosion.

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hogback British  

/ ˈhɒɡˌbæk /

noun

1. Also called: hog's back.  a narrow ridge that consists of steeply inclined rock strata

2. archaeol a Saxon or Scandinavian tomb with sloping sides

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Etymology

Origin of hogback

First recorded in 1655–65; hog + back ¹

Example Sentences

The slides are separated by hogbacks that block views up and down the gulch.

From Washington Times

And in the Viking Age, large carved stones called hogbacks, used to mark graves, have been found carved with bears.

From BBC

On the latter, it was the hogback, a section of road about two miles long with sheer drop-offs of more than 1,000 feet on both sides.

From Washington Post

The collection consists of 31 medieval stones carved in the Viking era, including carved crosses and five Viking hogback stones.

From BBC

Although the beasts carved into some of the hogbacks could reflect pagan Viking beliefs, the fact that all these stones were found in a church yard suggests the settlers had taken to Christianity.

From BBC

Related Words

• height
• peak
• ridge