snow-cap

A small snow-cap perches on a flowering cactus branch.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A covering of snow on a mountain peak: "snow-cap" refers to the layer of snow that permanently or seasonally covers the summit of a mountain.
   • A bird species (zoology): "snow-cap" is also a common name for certain hummingbirds (e.g., the white-crested coquette) that have a white or snowy patch on their head.

Usage Examples

• Mountain peak:

  • The majestic snow-cap of Mount Everest is visible from miles away. (The permanent snow covering the top of the mountain.)
  • Climate change is causing many mountain snow-caps to shrink. (The layer of snow on peaks is diminishing.)

• Bird species:

  • The snow-cap hummingbird is known for its striking white crown. (A bird with a white patch on its head.)
  • Ornithologists observed a snow-cap feeding on nectar in the highlands. (A specific hummingbird species.)

Advanced Usage

• "snow-cap" as a compound modifier: Used before a noun to describe something with a snow-covered top.
  • The snow-cap peak glistened under the morning sun. (The peak was covered with snow.)
  • She wore a snow-cap hat for the winter hike. (A hat shaped like a snow-covered peak, or a hat with a white top.)

Variants and Related Words

• Snow-capped (adj): having a cap of snow (typically used for mountains).
  • The snow-capped Andes are a sight to behold. (The Andes have snow on their peaks.)
• Snowcap (n, alternative spelling): a variant spelling of "snow-cap," used interchangeably.
  • The volcano's snowcap has been receding over the decades. (The snow covering the volcano's top.)

Synonyms

• Snow-covered peak: a mountain summit covered with snow.
• Snowy summit: the top of a mountain that is white with snow.

Related Idioms

• "Cap of snow": a poetic or descriptive phrase meaning a snow-covered top.
  • The mountain wore a cap of snow all year round. (It was always snow-covered.)

Phrasal Verbs

Additional Notes

• The term "snow-cap" is often hyphenated when used as a noun (e.g., ) but may appear as a single word ("snowcap") in informal or technical contexts.
• In zoology, "snow-cap" is a specific common name for hummingbirds of the genus , particularly the white-crested coquette ().