From Latin 'mons,' from PIE *men- (to jut out) — same root as 'eminent' (standing out) and 'prominent.'
Definition
A large natural elevation of the earth's surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level.
The Full Story
Latin13th centurywell-attested
From OldFrench 'montaigne,' from Vulgar Latin *montānea (mountainous region), from Latin 'mōns' (genitive 'montis,' mountain), from PIE *men- (to project, to jut out, to stand out). Thesamerootproduced Latin 'ēminēre' (to stand out → 'eminent'), 'prōminēre' (to jut forward → 'prominent'), 'imminēre' (to overhang threateningly → 'imminent'), and possibly 'menace' (a thing that overhangs). The derivation from the root meaning 'to project' captures
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'Mountain,' 'eminent,' 'prominent,' and 'menace' mayallcome from PIE *men- (to jut out). A mountain juts from theearth. An eminent personstands out from the crowd. Something prominent projects forward. And a menace is something that looms overhead — projecting threateningly.