paroi

wall, partition, rock face

noun pah-RWAH Rare

Usage Note

Paroi refers to a vertical surface — an interior partition wall, the wall of a cave (paroi d'une grotte), or a cliff face in climbing (la paroi nord). It is distinct from mur (a built exterior/interior wall) in that it emphasises a natural or structural surface rather than a constructed barrier. Rock climbers use it constantly.

Examples

"Les alpinistes ont gravi la paroi rocheuse."

Natural Translation

The climbers scaled the rock face.

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