escarpment

noun es·carp·ment \i-ˈskärp-mənt\

: a long cliff or steep slope that separates two flat or slightly sloped areas

Full Definition of ESCARPMENT

: a steep slope in front of a fortification

: a long cliff or steep slope separating two comparatively level or more gently sloping surfaces and resulting from erosion or faulting

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French escarpement, from escarper to scarp, from Middle French, from escarpe scarp, from Old Italian scarpa — more at scarp

First Known Use: circa 1802

Synonyms: barranca (also barranco), bluff, crag, cliff, palisade, precipice, scar, scarp

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