piton
UK[ˈpiːtɒn]US[ˈpiːtɑːn]
n
A metal spike with an eye through which a rope can be passed, used in rock climbing and mountaineering for security.
Etymology
The word 'piton' entered English in the late 19th century from French, where it means "eye bolt" or "peg." The French term itself derives from the Old French 'piton,' meaning a metal point or spike, which is a diminutive form of 'pite,' from the Vulgar Latin 'pittus,' meaning "point." This Latin root is likely of expressive or onomatopoeic origin, imitating the idea of a sharp, piercing object. Thus, the word's journey reflects its functional essence: a small, pointed metal implement, its meaning specializing in English to refer specifically to the crucial safety spike used by climbers.
Analysis
This word is a direct loanword from French. It does not contain separable English morphemes.
Examples
The climber hammered the piton securely into a crack in the granite face.
Modern climbing ethics often favor removable gear over leaving permanent pitons in the rock.
She threaded her rope through the carabiner attached to the old piton.