Tamil · Nature & Environment
மலை
malai
Mountain; hill
Beginnernoun
Definition
A mountain; the Nilgiris are the famous blue mountains.
Example
நீலகிரி மலை அழகானது.
The Nilgiri mountains are beautiful.
Etymology
The word 'மலை' (malai) traces back to the Proto-Dravidian term '*maḷai', meaning 'to rise or swell.' Historically, it has denoted elevated landforms in the Tamil-speaking regions.
How & Where It’s Used
'மலை' (malai) is commonly used in everyday conversation and written texts, both formally and informally, to describe mountains and hills across various dialects of Tamil.
Literary Heritage
It is featured in numerous poems and literary works, including verses in Thirukkural, where mountains symbolize strength and beauty.