Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specialized climbing tool: An ice ax is a handheld tool designed for mountaineering and ice climbing. Its primary functions are to provide stability, assist in climbing steep snow or ice slopes, and allow the user to cut steps or footholds in ice.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The climber used his ice ax to secure himself on the steep glacier.
  • Before ascending the icy face, she practiced cutting a foothold with her ice ax.

Advanced Usage

• Technical use in climbing: In technical mountaineering, an ice ax is used not just for cutting, but also for self-arrest (stopping a fall on a slope) and as a general anchor point.
  • His skill with the ice ax during the self-arrest drill saved him from a long slide.

Variants and Related Words

• Ice axe: This is a common alternate spelling for the same tool.
• Piolet: This is the French term for an ice ax, often used in climbing literature.
• Ice tool: A modern, more technical term that can refer to specialized ice axes designed for vertical ice climbing.

Synonyms

• Climbing ax: A general term for an ax used in mountaineering.
• Mountaineering ax: Specifically denotes an ax used for mountain climbing.

Related Phrases

• To plant an ice ax: To firmly place the pick of the ice ax into snow or ice for stability or safety.
  • He planted his ice ax deeply before taking the next step.
• Ice ax arrest: The technique of using an ice ax to stop a slide on snow or ice.
  • Every climber must learn the ice ax arrest position.

Noun

1. an ax used by mountain climbers for cutting footholds in ice