notch

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a V-shaped indentation
  2. noun the location in a range of mountains of a geological formation that is lower than the surrounding peaks
  3. noun a V-shaped or U-shaped indentation carved or scratched into a surface

Etymology

Recorded since 1577, probably a rebracketing of an otch, from Middle French oche (“notch”), itself from the Old French verb ochier (“to notch”), of uncertain origin, but possibly related to French hocher and English nick (“small cut, notch”).

In classic literature

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