1. A lightweight ice axe used in mountaineering and ice climbing, typically shorter than a traditional ice axe.
Usage: mountaineering; also spelled 'piolets' in plural; from French

Examples

• The climber gripped her piolet firmly as she ascended the frozen waterfall.
• Modern piolets are designed to be lighter and more maneuverable than traditional ice axes.
• He packed his piolet along with crampons for the alpine expedition.
• The guide demonstrated the proper technique for swinging a piolet on steep ice.
• Piolets come in various lengths depending on the type of climbing being undertaken.