karst

American  

[kahrst] / kɑrst /

noun

Geology.

1. an area of limestone terrane characterized by sinks, ravines, and underground streams.

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karst British  

/ kɑːst /

noun

1. (modifier) denoting the characteristic scenery of a limestone region, including underground streams, gorges, etc

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Other Word Forms

• karstic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of karst

1900–05; < German, generic use of Karst, name of limestone plateau north of Trieste

Example Sentences

“Ay, that’s the warst o’ it,” said the skipper.

From The Eagle Cliff by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

It's gude to dread the warst, the best will be the welcomer.

From The Proverbs of Scotland by Hislop, Alexander

Four and twenty at her back, And they were a’ clad out in green; Though the King of Scotland had been there, The warst o’ them might hae been his queen.

From Ballads of Mystery and Miracle and Fyttes of Mirth Popular Ballads of the Olden Times - Second Series by Sidgwick, Frank

The cuckoo clock struck twelve, and the company rose, shook hands, wished each other a happy new year, and, in a bumper, drank, "May the year that's awa be the warst o' our lives."

From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland Volume 10 by Various

A lass that has mony wooers aft wails the warst.

From The Proverbs of Scotland by Hislop, Alexander