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

I kicked one toe into the snow as firmly as possible, then the other a little higher, then hammered an ice ax into the snow a little higher still.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2023

In winter, you can sign up for a ski mountaineering clinic, wielding your ice ax and fixing rope to climb up the terrain, then skiing down in an exhilarating rush of “job well done.”

From Washington Post • Nov. 27, 2019

He hacked one ice ax ahead, then stabbed his cramponed feet upward, moving inches at a time.

From The Guardian • May 16, 2019

The team members include Lauren Cohan as an agent who is threatening to grab a sledgehammer and an ice ax when not texting a cupcake recipe to her daughter.

From New York Times • Aug. 16, 2018

Wilton attempted to dodge the question, but Rob persisted in his line of inquiry: “O.K. I mean his ice ax is here and his jacket and things.”

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer