crampon
/'kræmpən/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A metal spike or plate attached to footwear: A "crampon" is a device with spikes, typically made of iron or steel, that is fixed to the sole of a boot or shoe to provide traction and prevent slipping on ice or hard snow, especially used in walking, climbing, or mountaineering.
- A hinged metal tool for lifting: A "crampon" can also refer to a tool consisting of a hinged pair of curved iron bars with pointed ends, used for gripping and raising heavy objects like stones or logs.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Footwear spike):
- The climber attached crampons to his boots before ascending the icy ridge.
- Without crampons, walking on the glacier would be extremely dangerous.
- Noun (Lifting tool):
- The workers used a crampon to lift the heavy stone block into place.
- This antique crampon was once essential for masonry work.
Advanced Usage
- Technical/Mountaineering Context: In specialized climbing terminology, "crampon" often refers specifically to the modern systems with multiple front and bottom points, categorized by type (e.g., step-in, strap-on, hybrid).
- For mixed climbing, he chose a crampon with aggressive front points.
- Historical/Industrial Context: The lifting tool meaning is largely historical or specialized.
- The old forge had various tools, including a large iron crampon.
Variants and Related Words
- Crampons (plural noun): This is the standard and most common form, especially for the footwear sense.
- She packed her ice axe and crampons for the expedition.
- Cramponing (gerund/noun): The act of using crampons or climbing with them.
- Proper cramponing technique is crucial for safety on steep ice.
Synonyms
- Climbing iron: A synonym for the footwear spike, though less common.
- Claw bar / Crowbar: Tools with some functional similarity to the lifting tool sense of "crampon," though not exact synonyms.
- Cleat: A general term for a projection on a sole for grip, but typically less aggressive and not for ice.
Related Phrases
- To fit crampons: The action of attaching crampons to boots.
- We stopped to fit crampons before crossing the ice field.
- Crampon-compatible boot: A boot designed with a specific welt to securely attach step-in crampons.
- Make sure your boots are crampon-compatible before the climb.
Idioms
No common idioms specifically feature the word "crampon." Its use is almost entirely literal and technical.
Noun
- an iron spike attached to the shoe to prevent slipping on ice when walking or climbing
- a hinged pair of curved iron bars; used to raise heavy objects