Definition
A small, rounded hill or mound, typically found in clusters in flat terrain such as tundra, marshes, or grasslands. Smaller and less defined than a true hill, often formed by frost heave, vegetation growth, or geological processes.
Example Usage
The arctic landscape was dotted with tiny hummocks that made walking treacherous.
Origin
Possibly from Low German or Dutch origins, related to words for bump or mound; used extensively in North American geography and ecology.
Fun Fact
In permafrost regions, hummocks are often created by ice lenses that push soil upward during repeated freeze-thaw cycles, creating distinctive patterns visible from aircraft.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
Translate This Term
See “hummock” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
Try the Translator