alpine

Everyday

1. To do with high mountains, especially the Alps in Europe. tree →
2. Alpine: belonging to the Alps themselves. tree →
3. noun A small plant that grows high on mountains. tree →
4. (sport) Alpine skiing: racing down slopes, as opposed to cross-country skiing. tree →

In the lessons

In geography lessons alpine describes high, cold mountain places above the trees, with snow, meadows and special plants and animals. In sport «alpine skiing» is downhill racing. Gardeners grow «alpines» in rock gardens. Phrases: «alpine meadow», «alpine village», «alpine plants», «alpine skiing».

Examples

• We stayed in an alpine village in Switzerland. tree →
• Alpine meadows are full of flowers in summer. tree →
• Ibex and marmots are alpine animals. tree →
• Grandma grows little alpines in her rock garden. tree →
• Alpine skiers race down steep slopes. tree →
• The air is thin and cold in the alpine zone above the trees. tree →
• The sound of these bells is often heard amidst Alpine scenery. tree →

Note

Capital A when it means the Alps (the Alpine region), small a for any high mountains. Use «an»: an alpine plant. Not «alpin».