crampoon
Definition
Noun: 1. A traction device: A crampoon is an iron spike or set of spikes attached to a boot or shoe to prevent slipping, especially on ice or hard snow during walking or climbing. 2. A lifting tool: A crampoon is also a hinged, curved iron tool, often used in pairs, designed to grip and lift heavy objects like stones or timber.
Usage Examples
As a traction device:
- The climber secured his crampoons before ascending the icy ridge.
- For safety on the glacier, every member of the expedition must wear crampoons.
As a lifting tool:
- The workers used a pair of crampoons to move the large granite block.
- This antique crampoon was essential for 19th-century stonemasons.
Advanced Usage
- Technical Context: In mountaineering, the term is often used in the plural ("crampoons") to refer to the full set of spikes attached to one boot. The design can vary between general walking and technical ice climbing.
- Historical/Industrial Context: When referring to the lifting tool, it is typically mentioned in historical texts or specific trades like masonry or logging.
Variants and Related Words
- Crampon: This is the more common modern spelling for both meanings. "Crampoon" is a recognized variant.
- Climbing iron: A synonym for the traction device.
- Grapple: A tool with a similar gripping function, but typically used for dragging or securing rather than lifting.
Synonyms
- For the traction device: Climbing iron, ice cleat, traction spike.
- For the lifting tool: Lifting tongs, stone dog, pinch bar.
Related Phrases
- "To fit one's crampoons": To attach the spiked devices to one's boots in preparation for icy terrain.
- Before crossing the couloir, we took a moment to fit our crampoons carefully.
- "A pair of crampoons": Commonly used to describe the lifting tool, emphasizing it is used as a set of two.
- They lifted the beam with a pair of crampoons.
Noun
- an iron spike attached to the shoe to prevent slipping on ice when walking or climbing
- a hinged pair of curved iron bars; used to raise heavy objects
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ gần giống
