ice ax

American  

noun

1. a mountaineering tool combining an adzlike blade and a pick on the head of a long wooden handle, with a spike on the end, used for cutting into ice and for support on icy surfaces.

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Etymology

Origin of ice ax

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ice ax

“On Forbidden Peak, the glacier melted entirely, and groups no longer need to carry an ice ax or crampons in the later part of the summer,” Hicks said.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 4, 2023

It sounds dangerous, but in such soft snow, you’re not likely to fall far, especially with an ice ax in your hands.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2023

But it won’t be an issue anymore for Richards, who says the episode on Dhaulagiri made him realize it’s time to hang up his ice ax.

From New York Times ● Jul. 11, 2021

He went on, however, to acclaim as an inventor of game-changing climbing gear, including the first all-steel ice ax.

From Washington Post ● Dec. 8, 2020

I swung my left ice ax and struck rock.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer