mountain

Everyday

1. A very high hill with steep sides, usually higher than about 600 metres. tree →
2. A very large pile or amount: a mountain of homework. tree →

In the lessons

In geography: mountains form when the Earth's plates push together or from volcanoes; mountain ranges like the Rockies (USA, Canada), the Southern Alps (New Zealand), the Great Dividing Range (Australia), and Ben Nevis (UK's highest); Everest is the highest in the world (about 8,849 m). It is colder higher up. In safety: weather changes fast on mountains; tell people your route, wear proper clothes. Phrases: mountain range, mountain top, climb a mountain, mountain bike, a mountain of, make a mountain out of a molehill.

Examples

• Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. tree →
• We climbed a mountain on holiday. tree →
• It gets colder as you go up a mountain. tree →
• The Rocky Mountains stretch across Canada and the USA. tree →
• There was snow on the mountain tops. tree →
• I have a mountain of washing to do. tree →
• Don't make a mountain out of a molehill. tree →
• My uncle rides a mountain bike. tree →
• A MOUNTAIN was once greatly agitated. tree →

Note

Countable: mountains. Spelling: «moun-tain», said «MOUN-tin». Names: Mount Everest (Mt.), the Andes. In maths: comparing heights, «how much higher» = subtract (8,849 − 1,345 = 7,504 m higher than Ben Nevis).

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Mountains are places for meeting God, such as Sinai, Moriah and Ararat. After the Flood the ark rested on the mountains of Ararat. The psalms call Zion God's holy mountain, the place where He lives, and picture mountains skipping like rams when God appears. In the primary lessons: In geography: mountains form when the Earth's plates push together or from volcanoes; mountain ranges like the Rockies (USA, Canada), the Southern Alps (New Zealand), the Great Dividing Range (Australia), and Ben Nevis (UK's highest); Everest is the highest in the world (about 8,849 m). It is colder higher up. In safety: weather changes fast on mountains; tell people your route, wear proper clothes. Phrases: mountain range, mountain top, climb a mountain, mountain bike, a mountain of, make a mountain out of a molehill.

Examples

• 'Ye have compassed this mountain long enough; turn you northward. (Torah DEU.2.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered. (Torah GEN.7.20, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Esau dwelt in the mountain-land of Seir — Esau is Edom. (Torah GEN.36.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• Who shall dwell upon Thy holy mountain? (Writings PSA.15.1, JPS 1917) tree →
• His foundation is in the holy mountains. (Writings PSA.87.1, JPS 1917) tree →
• The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like young sheep. (Writings PSA.114.4, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable: mountains. Spelling: «moun-tain», said «MOUN-tin». Names: Mount Everest (Mt.), the Andes. In maths: comparing heights, «how much higher» = subtract (8,849 − 1,345 = 7,504 m higher than Ben Nevis).