A steep-walled semicircular basin in a mountain, sometimes containing a lake; a cirque.

Origin: The word 'cwm' originates from the Welsh language, where it directly means 'valley'. It has no apparent root but is unique in its orthographic structure, which contains no vowels by English standards but represents a common vowel sound in Welsh phonology. Historical and Cultural Context: The term has been used in Wales for centuries to describe the glacial valleys characteristic of the mountainous regions, especially in Snowdonia. It became known in English during the 19th century through mountaineering and geographical studies. Evolution: The word 'cwm' has remained unchanged in Welsh, though in English it is sometimes spelled as 'combe' or 'coombe' in other dialects, reflecting a similar concept. It shares a semantic field with the word 'cirque' in French, which also describes a natural amphitheater-like valley. Modern Relevance: In modern English, 'cwm' is used primarily in geological contexts or by enthusiasts of mountaineering and geography, retaining its specific meaning related to glacial formations.

Despite its vowel-less appearance in English, 'cwm' is a legitimate word in Scrabble, scoring 10 points!