mountainside

UK: ˈmaʊn.tɪn.saɪd | US: ˈmaʊn.tən.saɪd

Definition
  1. n. the sloping surface or area of a mountain; the side or flank of a mountain.

Structure
mountain <large natural elevation of land>side <lateral surface>
Etymology

The word "mountainside" is a straightforward compound formed by combining "mountain" (from Old French montaigne, ultimately derived from Latin mons/montis meaning "mountain") and "side" (from Old English sīde, meaning "flank or lateral part"). The compound logically describes the lateral surface of a mountain, retaining the original meanings of both morphemes. This construction follows a common English pattern of combining two nouns to create a new, specific term (e.g., "hillside," "riverside").

Examples
  1. The cabin was perched on the steep mountainside, offering breathtaking views.

  2. Wildflowers bloomed along the rocky mountainside in spring.

  3. Avalanches are a constant danger on this snow-covered mountainside.

  4. They hiked for hours to reach the cave halfway up the mountainside.

  5. The landslide scarred the once-forested mountainside.