Findling

erratic boulder (large glacially transported rock)

noun FIND-ling Rare

Also means

foundling (archaic: abandoned child)

Usage Note

Findling in geology refers to a large rock transported by glacial action and deposited far from its origin. They are common in the North German Plain. The same word historically meant an abandoned child (Findelkind), but the geological sense dominates in geography.

Examples

"Der mächtige Findling am Waldrand stammt aus Skandinavien."

Natural Translation

The massive erratic boulder at the forest edge comes from Scandinavia.

Literal Translation

The mighty erratic-boulder at-the forest-edge originates from Scandinavia.

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