massif
[ ma-seef, mas-if; French ma-seef ]
/ mæˈsif, ˈmæs ɪf; French maˈsif /
noun
a compact portion of a mountain range, containing one or more summits.
a large elevated block of old complex rocks resistant to both erosion and crustal folding.
a band or zone of the earth's crust raised or depressed as a unit and bounded by faults.
Origin of massif
1515–25; < French, noun use of
massif
massive
Words nearby massif
masseteric nerve,
masseur,
masseuse,
massey,
massicot,
massif,
massif central,
massification,
massillon,
massine,
massinger
Example sentences from the Web for massif
British Dictionary definitions for massif
massif
/ (ˈmæsiːf, French masif) /
noun
a geologically distinct mass of rock or a series of connected masses forming the peaks of a mountain range
a topographically high part of the earth's crust that is bounded by faults and may be shifted by tectonic movements
Word Origin for massif
C19: from French, noun use of
massif
massive
Scientific definitions for massif
massif
[ mă-sēf′ ]
A large mountain mass or compact group of connected mountains forming an independent portion of a range. A massif often consists of rocks that are more rigid than the surrounding rocks.