escarpment
UK[ɪˈskɑːpmənt]US[ɪˈskɑːrpmənt]
n
a long, steep slope, especially one at the edge of a plateau or separating areas of land at different heights.
n
a steep bank or slope, especially that formed by a fortification ditch.
Morpheme Breakdown
escarp
ment
escarp
slope
ment
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'escarpment' entered english in the late 18th century from the french 'escarpement', which itself derives from the italian military term 'scarpa', meaning a slope or escarp. the italian 'scarpa' is of germanic origin, likely related to the old high german 'scarf', meaning to cut or carve, which reflects the action of creating a steep, defensive slope. the french added the noun-forming suffix '-ment', from latin '-mentum', to denote the resulting feature or structure. thus, the term evolved from a specific military fortification feature—a steep, carved slope to deter attackers—to its broader modern geographical meaning of any long, steep slope separating different levels of terrain.
Analysis
Structure: escarp (slope) + ment (noun suffix)
escarp (from italian 'scarpa', meaning slope or scarp, via french 'escarpe'), ment (from latin '-mentum', a suffix forming nouns indicating an instrument, medium, or result).
Examples
the great escarpment marks the dramatic edge of the southern african plateau.
from the base of the escarpment, the climb to the top looked daunting.
the castle's defenses included a deep moat and a stone escarpment.