serac: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Specialized
Quick answer
What does “serac” mean?
A large block or pinnacle of glacial ice, typically formed where a glacier flows over a steep drop or where crevasses intersect.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large block or pinnacle of glacial ice, typically formed where a glacier flows over a steep drop or where crevasses intersect.
In mountaineering and glaciology, a serac refers to an unstable, often dangerous ice formation on a glacier, prone to sudden collapse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is technical and used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes danger, instability, and the technical challenges of alpine environments.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both varieties. Slightly higher frequency in UK English due to greater historical engagement with alpine mountaineering literature.
Grammar
How to Use “serac” in a Sentence
The climbers skirted the [serac].A [serac] collapsed without warning.The route was barred by a field of [seracs].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in glaciology, physical geography, and earth science papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Only used when discussing mountaineering or glaciers.
Technical
Core term in glaciology and alpine climbing route descriptions.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “serac”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈsiː.ræk/ or /ˈsɛr.ək/.
- Using it to refer to any large piece of ice, rather than specifically a glacial formation.
- Misspelling as 'cerac'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized term used almost exclusively in glaciology and mountaineering contexts.
No, 'serac' is solely a noun. There is no standard verb form.
Its instability. Seracs can collapse suddenly and without warning, causing ice falls that are extremely hazardous to anyone below.
It is borrowed from Swiss French 'sérac', originally referring to a kind of white cheese (from Latin 'serācea'), due to the visual resemblance of the ice formation to the crumbly cheese.
A large block or pinnacle of glacial ice, typically formed where a glacier flows over a steep drop or where crevasses intersect.
Serac is usually technical / specialized in register.
Serac: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛr.æk/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˈræk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. Technical term.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SEEing a RACK of giant, dangerous ice cubes on a glacier. SERAC.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SERAC is a TOWER OF IMPENDING DOOM (emphasizing its instability and danger).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'serac' primarily associated with?