Himalaya

/ˌhɪməˈleɪə/ noun

Definition

The world's largest mountain range, stretching across Asia and containing Mount Everest and most of the world's highest peaks.

Etymology

From Sanskrit 'Himalaya,' combining 'hima' (snow) + 'alaya' (home/abode), literally meaning 'the home of snow.' The Sanskrit name was adopted into English through colonial contact with India.

Kelly Says

The Himalaya are so tall they actually bend weather patterns around the globe—the mountains force warm, wet air upward, creating the monsoons that drench Asia, making them one of Earth's most powerful geographical features.

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