Sierras

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A mountain range characterized by steep slopes and rugged terrain, often featuring a series of peaks and valleys
2. A series of mountains, especially in a chain, that typically exhibit sharp elevations and diverse ecosystems
3. A geographical formation consisting of multiple adjoining mountainous areas, known for their dramatic landscapes and varied climates

Etymology: Mountains that look like a saw blade have a name in Spanish: "sierra" comes from Latin "serra," meaning saw, and the image is literal. Seen from a distance, a range's jagged crestline resembles the toothed edge of a saw, and that visual likeness gave the range its name. The word is the plural of "sierra," so it refers to several such ranges at once. The English word was borrowed from Spanish, where "sierra" has been used for mountain ranges for centuries. The same Spanish root also gave the tool its name, so the saw and the mountains share one ancestor. Many place names in the American West, such as the Sierra Nevada, preserve the Spanish usage.

Synonyms: mountains, ranges