Coire

Type

Mountain, Valley

Area of origin

Scotland

Area of use

Scotland

Synonyms

Cwm, Cirque, Corrie

Related terms

Coomb, Coombe, Comb, Combe

A large glacially eroded basin with a steep headwall and sides surrounding an rounded depression to create a bowl or natural amphitheatre.

Etymology

Scots Gaelic coire – “cauldron”, “whirlpool”, “hollow”, “kettle”

NB The Corryvreckan whirpool from Gaelic Coire Bhreacain translated as “whirpool of the freckle” or “whirlpool of the plaid”

Example locations

    Enlarge map

    Entry contributors:

    Sarah Hobbs