glacis
/ˈɡleɪsɪs/
noun
- A gentle slope, especially one built in front of a fortification to expose attackers to defensive fire.
- The castle's glacis made it difficult for enemies to approach unseen.
- Engineers designed a glacis of packed earth around the fort.
- From the top of the glacis, soldiers could fire down on advancing troops.
- A sloping bank or surface, such as on a dam or road embankment.
- The park's design included a glacis leading down to the lake.
- The dam's glacis helped direct water flow during heavy rain.
- A grassy glacis lined the highway to prevent erosion.