piolet

noun

pi·​o·​let
¦pēə¦lā
plural -s
: a two-headed ice ax used in mountaineering (as in Switzerland)

Word History

Etymology

French, from French dialect (Valais canton, Switzerland & Piedmont), diminutive of piola small ax, from (assumed) Middle French dialect, from Old Provençal, diminutive of apcha, abcha battle-ax, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German hāppa sickle, pruning knife

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near piolet

Cite this Entry

“Piolet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/piolet. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!