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Dictionary of Climbing WordsHere is a general compilation of technical climbing words and phrases, with definitions and explanations. Remember that this is strictly a glossary of common American terms.
Abseil
Definition of Abseil, a climbing word for rappelling or descending by sliding down a rope. Aid Climbing
Definition of Aid Climbing, a climbing word for ascending cliffs by using the aid of gear for upward progress. Alpine Start
Definition of Alpine Start, climbing words for getting an early start on a climbing day in the mountains. Alpine Style Climbing
Definition of Alpine Style Climbing, climbing words for climbing fast and light in the mountains. Anchor
Definition of Anchor, a climbing word for a piece of gear or natural object that ties or anchors a climber to a face. Approach
Definition of Approach, a climbing word for hiking and scrambling to rock faces and mountain peaks. Belay Ledge
Definition of Belay Ledge, climbing words for a ledge or shelf on a route where a climber sets up a belay station. Belay
Definition of Belay, a climbing word for the process of securing and safeguarding a rope for a climber. Big Wall
Definition of Big Wall, climbing words for a tall cliff that usually takes several days to ascend. Bight
Definition of Bight, a climbing word for an open loop or bend in a climbing rope. Bivouac
Definition of Bivouac, climbing word for a temporary campsite in the open. Boulder Problem
Definition of Boulder Problem, climbing words for describing short routes done on boulders. Bouldering
Definition of Bouldering, a climbing word for ascending boulders and small cliffs. Bucket
Definition of Bucket, a climbing word for a large handhold. Cairn
Definition of Cairn, a climbing word for a stack of stones that marks a trail or summit. Chipping
Definition of Chipping, a climbing word for creating and altering hand and footholds. Clean
Definition of Clean, a climbing word for removing gear from a route, climbing it without any aid moves, or aid climbing without pitons. Climbing
Definition of Climbing, a climbing word for ascending boulders, cliffs, ice falls, and mountains. Clipping
Definition of Clipping, a climbing word for attaching a carabiner or quickdraw to a piece of gear. Clove Hitch
Definition of Clove Hitch, climbing words for a knot to tie a rope to a carabiner, anchor, or tree. Crack Climbing
Definition of Crack Climbing, climbing words for ascending fissures or cracks in rock faces by jamming or wedging body parts into them. Crimp
Definition of Crimp, a climbing word for a fingertip handhold Double Fisherman's Knot
Definition of Double Fisherman's Knot, climbing words for a knot used to tie two ropes together. Downclimb
Definition of Downclimb, a climbing word for descending a rock face or mountain using hands and feet. Dry-Tooling
Definition of Dry-Tooling, climbing words for climbing rock with ice climbing gear. Dyno
Definition of Dyno, a climbing word for a dynamic movement to a handhold. Edge
Definition of Edge, a climbing word for a small ledge used for a handhold or foothold. Edging
Definition of Edging, a climbing word for standing on a small edge foothold with a rock shoe. Exposure
Definition of Exposure, a climbing word for the air under your rock shoes. Face Climbing
Definition of Face Climbing, climbing words for ascending a rock face using edges, pockets, and other handholds. Fall
Definition of Fall, a climbing word for plunging off a route. Figure-8 Follow-Through Knot
Definition of Figure-8 Follow-Through Knot, climbing words for the best and most used knot for tying a rope into a harness. Figure-8-on-a-Bight Knot
Definition of Figure-8-on-a-Bight Knot, climbing words for a secure knot used to tie a climber to an anchor. Finger Crack
Definition of Finger Crack, climbing words for a finger-sized crack that is ascend by jamming or wedging a climber's fingers into. Finger Jam
Definition of Finger Jam, climbing words for climbing a thin finger-sized crack by jamming or wedging fingers into it. Fingerlock
Definition of Fingerlock, a climbing word for a specialized finger jam that holds or locks the climber into a thin finger-sized crack. First Ascent
Definition of First Ascent, climbing words for the first person or people to ascend a climbing route or mountain peak. Fist Crack
Definition of Fist Crack, climbing words for a crack that is as wide as a climber's fist. Fist Jam
Definition of Fist Jam, climbing words for a crack climbing technique using a climber's fists. Fixed Rope
Definition of Fixed Rope, climbing words that refer to a rope that is left in place on a route or mountain. Flagging
Definition of Flagging, a climbing word for using a leg to stay in balance rather than weighting it. Following
Definition of Following , a climbing word for when a climber follows or comes up second on a route. Foothold
Definition of Foothold, a climbing word for a point on a cliff face where a climber places his foot. Free Climbing
Definition of Free Climbing, climbing words for ascending a rock face using hands and feet and gear for protection. Free Soloing
Definition of Free Soloing, climbing words for free climbing a rock face without a rope or any safety gear. Front Pointing
Definition of Front Pointing, climbing words for ice climbing with the points or spikes on the front of a pair of crampons. Glissade
Definition of Glissade, a climbing word for a controlled sliding descent with an ice axe down a snowfield. Hand Crack
Definition of Hand Crack, climbing words for a hand-sized crack that is ascended by jamming or wedging a climber's hands into. Hand Traverse
Definition of Hand Traverse, climbing words for horizontal movement using hands and arms rather than legs. Handhold
Definition of Handhold, a climbing word for a point on a cliff face that a climber uses with her hands to make upward progress. Hanging Belay
Definition of Hanging Belay, climbing words for when a climber belays in aiders because no ledge is available. Heel Hook
Definition of Heel Hook, climbing words for an advanced technique when a climber's heel hooks onto a hold. Hold
Definition of Hold, a climbing word for a point on a cliff face where a climber uses hands and feet to progress upwards. Hypothermia
Definition of Hypothermia, a climbing word for when the temperature of the human body drops below normal. Jamming
Definition of Jamming, a climbing word for ascending a crack by wedging or "jamming" different parts of a climber's body into it. Pitch
Definition of Pitch, a climbing word for a length of climbing that is usually defined by the rope. Pocket
Definition of Pocket, a climbing word for a hole in a rock face that is used as a handhold. |
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