scree

 
Pronunciation: /skriː/

noun

[mass noun]
  • a mass of small loose stones that form or cover a slope on a mountain: they had to pick their way up precarious scree [as modifier]: we reached the treacherous scree slope
  • [count noun] a slope covered with scree: the dramatic cliffs and screes

Origin:

early 18th century: probably a back-formation from the plural screes, from Old Norse skritha 'landslip'; related to skrítha 'glide'