firn

(firn)

noun

the granular snow, not in a completely compacted mass, that accumulates at the top of a glacier

Origin: Ger < firn, of last year, old, akin to OE fyrn, former < IE base *per-, beyond > far, first

See firn in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Granular, partially consolidated snow that has passed through one summer melt season but is not yet glacial ice. Also called old snow.

Origin:

Origin: German

Origin: , from German dialectal, of last year

Origin: , from Old High German firni, old

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