— alpinely , adv.
/al"puyn, -pin/ , adj.
1. of, pertaining to, on, or part of any lofty mountain.
2. very high; elevated.
3. ( cap. ) of, pertaining to, on, or part of the Alps.
4. Bot. growing on mountains above the limit of tree growth: alpine plants.
5. ( often cap. ) of or pertaining to downhill skiing or a competitive downhill skiing event. Cf. Nordic (def. 3).
6. ( cap. ) Anthropol. having the features characteristic of an Alpine.
n.
7. ( cap. ) Anthropol. a member of a Caucasoid people found in central Europe and characterized by heavy body build, medium complexion, and straight to wavy hair.
[ 1600-10; Alpinus, equiv. to Alp ( es ) (pl.) the ALPS + -inus -INE 1 ]