Definition of ridge

The origin of the word "ridge" can be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled as "rycg" or "hreog." These words had similar meanings, referring to a high or elevated part of a landform, such as a hill or mountain. The Old English word "rycg" was used to describe both the physical feature and the structure that was built on top of it, such as a defensive fortification. Over time, the meaning of the word became more specific, and it began to refer primarily to the geometric shape that results from two sloping surfaces meeting at a crest or peak. The word "ridge" is derived from the Middle English "rigge," which retained the root "ryg" and added the suffix "-ge" to indicate that it was a noun. This suffix was common in Middle English, and it is also the origin of words like "ridge" and "bargain." In its current usage, "ridge" refers to a raised band or strip, especially one that runs along the back or edge of something, such as a shoe, a ship, or a piece of fabric. It can also describe a long, narrow raised strip, such as a ridge of land between two valleys or two bodies of water. Overall, the word "ridge" has remained relatively consistent in meaning throughout its history, with slight nuances of usage evolving over time. However, its etymology highlights the close relationship between the physical features of the natural world and the words we use to describe them.