Mount Everest Vocabulary

Sherpa Context Clue Definition: Since the first British adventurers came to Nepal, a group of native people known as Sherpas have worked with climbers as guides and partners. Definition: a race of people know for their climbing abilities and ability to adjust to high altitudes quickly. Usually hired to help climbers up the mountain.

Expedition Context Clue Definition: Most expeditions to the Himalayas begin with a plane flight to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Definition: a journey made for a specific reason.

Summit Context clue Definition: Its summit is the highest point on earth, 5 ½ miles above sea level. Definition: the top

Altitude Context clue Definition: At higher altitudes, there is less air above you. Definition: height of something measured from sea level. This is a measurement of air pressure.

Elevation Context clue Definition: During the journey, the elevation rises from 5,000 feet to over 17,000. Definition: Height of something measured from sea level. This is a geometric measurement.

Delirious Context clue Definition: A disorder of the mind that results in restlessness, excitability, incoherent thought and/or speech, and/or hallucinations.

Assault team Context clue Definition: After helping Hillary and Norgay establish Camp IX, the rest of the team descends, leaving the final assault team alone in the dismal camp. Definition: Two or more climbers who attempt to reach a mountain summit.

Avalanche Context clue Definition: A mass of snow, ice, or rock pouring down a mountainside.

Base Camp Context clue Definition: Only 10,900 feet and 13 miles to go before your next stop at Base Camp. Definition: A central setup of tents where food, equipment, and medical supplies are stored; a relay site for climbers.

Buddhist Context clue Definition: Over 500 years ago a group of Tibetan Buddhists known as the Sherpas moved from Tibet to the Everest region of Nepal in order to be closer to the mountain they hold sacred. Definition: Based on the teaching of Buddha; a member of the religion that adheres to the teachings of Buddha.

Col Context clue Definition: Disappointed and exhausted, Bourdillon and Evans retreat all the way back to South Col. Definition: A depression or pass in a mountain range.

Cornice Context clue Definition: An overhanging mass of hardened snow at the edge of a ridge, usually formed by wind.

Cwm (pronounced coom) Context clue Definition: A valley on the side of a hill or mountain.

Crampon Context clue Definition: At 6:30 a.m., after spending two hours thawing out Hillary’s frozen boots, the men finally strap on their crampons and set off for the top. Definition: Metal frame with spikes worn on hiking boots for ice climbs.

Crevasse Context clue Definition: Hillary and teammate Tenzing Norgay, roped to each other, cut ice steps and maneuver around hidden crevasses. Definition: A deep, open crack in a glacier.

Icefall Context clue Definition: Hillary leads some of the team on a rigorous climb up the Khumbu Icefall to establish Base Camp. Definition: A cascade of ice that results when a glacier descends over a changing slope of ground beneath.

Ice pick Context clue Definition: Hour after hour, using ice picks, they cut endless ice steps. Definition: A tool for chopping ice or securing oneself while climbing over ice.

Oxygen system Context clue Definition: They encounter a blizzard and their oxygen systems begin to fail. Definition: Oxygen tanks carried by climbers. A closed system allows climbers to breathe pure oxygen from the tank; an open system allows climbers to breathe a mixture of pure oxygen and outside air.

Porter Context clue Definition: It has taken 16 days for Edmund Hillary, 13 other climbers, and 350 porters to reach the Tengpoche Monastery and set up a rear camp. Definition: A person who carriers supplies.

Sidar Context clue Definition: A Sherpa leader on a mountaineering or trekking expedition.

Traverse Context clue Definition: To cross a mountain slope; a steep slope that has to be climbed from side to side.